equilibrium
/ˌiː.kwɪˈlɪb.ri.əm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A balanced state where different forces, amounts, or opinions are equal or steady. It can also mean a calm mental state.
- The market returned to equilibrium after the shock.
- She tried to keep her life in equilibrium.
- The team found a better equilibrium between work and rest.
Adinary Nuance
Equilibrium is more formal and exact than balance. Use balance in everyday English, and use equilibrium when you want a technical, academic, or careful tone. It often appears in science, economics, and psychology, where the idea is stable equal forces.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cân bằng
- Spanish
- equilibrio
- Chinese
- 平衡
- Japanese
- 均衡
- Korean
- 균형
Etymology
Equilibrium comes from Latin aequilibrium, meaning “even balance.” English has used it since the 1600s, first for physical balance and later for ideas and feelings.
Common phrases
in equilibriumdynamic equilibriumequilibrium pointequilibrium price
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is equilibrium formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. People often use balance in everyday conversation instead.
- What is the difference between equilibrium and balance?
- Balance is more common and general. Equilibrium sounds more precise and is often used in academic writing.
- Can equilibrium describe feelings?
- Yes. It can mean a calm, steady mental state.
- Is equilibrium used in economics?
- Yes. It is common in economics, especially for price and market stability.