Equilibrium Meaning
/ɛkwɪˈlɪbɹɪəm/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe condition of a system in which competing influences are balanced, resulting in no net change.
nounMental balance.
Sentence Examples
Nature's equilibrium is very fragile.
We could apply the theory of punctuated equilibrium to languages.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The tightrope walker maintained her ____ despite the strong gusts of wind.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The tightrope walker used a long pole to maintain her ____ high above the ground.
Word Origin & History
From Latin aequilībrium, from equal + lībra (“balance”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"To Hydroſtaticks belong whatever relates to the Gravities and Equilibria of Liquors; with the Art of weighing Bodies in Water, in order to eſtimate the ſpecifick Gravities."
— 1733, Philip Miller, “HYDROSTATICKS”, in The Gardeners Dictionary: […], 2nd edition, volume I, London: […] C[harles] Rivington, […], →OCLC, column 1:
"Tiffany Pollard: What just happened?!
Eric Andre: That coffee mug is broken.
Tiffany Pollard: I can't take this. This is gonna mess up my equilibrium."
— 2020, The Eric Andre Show, season 5, episode 6:
"It now appears that the locomotive did not blow up, as was commonly stated at the time, but that the aeroplane flew so low as to come into contact with the dome of the engine, knocking it off. It was the combination of the impact and the uprush of steam that so disturbed the equilibrium of the raider as to cause it to crash."
— 1943 May and June, “Notes and News: Effective Locomotive "Ack-Ack" Fire”, in Railway Magazine, page 180:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The tightrope walker maintained her ____ despite the strong gusts of wind.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The tightrope walker used a long pole to maintain her ____ high above the ground.