equilibrium
Say it: ee-kwih-LIB-ree-um /ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm/ · noun
What “equilibrium” means
A balance where opposing effects cancel each other out.
More precisely: A state where opposing forces or influences are balanced, so nothing changes.
When to use it
In science, economics or formal conversation, for a stable balance that lasts while the opposing influences stay matched.
Memory trick
Latin aequus means equal and libra means balance: picture a perfectly balanced scale.
Similar words
balance, stability, steady state
Where it comes from
From Latin aequilibrium, from aequus 'equal' + libra 'balance'.
Quick check
Two children of equal weight sit equally far from a seesaw's centre, leaving it level and still. That's…
equilibrium or momentum?
Show the answer
equilibrium
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