Equilibrium

/ˌiː.kwɪˈlɪb.ri.əm/ noun

Definition

A state of balance where different forces or influences are equal, so nothing is changing overall. It can refer to physical balance, mental calmness, or stable conditions in science.

Etymology

From Latin *aequilibrium* 'even balance', from *aequus* 'equal' and *libra* 'balance, scales'. It originally described a pair of scales that were level.

Kelly Says

Equilibrium sounds fancy, but it’s just the idea of a scale that’s not tipping. In chemistry, in markets, and in your emotions, it means pushes and pulls are matched. The twist is that equilibrium can be calm—or dangerously fragile—depending on what’s balancing what.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.