adjective
-
even-tempered; placid
-
unvarying; uniform
an equable climate
Other Word Forms
- equability noun
- equableness noun
- equably adverb
- nonequability noun
- nonequable adjective
- nonequableness noun
- nonequably adverb
- unequability noun
- unequable adjective
- unequableness noun
- unequably adverb
Etymology
Origin of equable
1635–45; < Latin aequābilis that can be made equal, similar, equivalent to aequ ( us ) equal, even + -ābilis -able
Explanation
The adjective equable means "not easily irritated" or "steady," like someone's equable manner that makes everyone instantly feel comfortable. To correctly pronounce equable, accent the first syllable: "EK-wah-bul." It comes from the Latin word aequabilis, meaning "equal, consistent, uniform." An equable person isn't moody. You wouldn't expect him or her to fly into a rage one minute and be humming a happy tune the next. Instead, someone who is equable takes things in stride — the good, the bad, and the ugly, with a smile and the occasional reminder that "this too shall pass."
Vocabulary lists containing equable
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Michael Gove has described his sacking last week by Boris Johnson, calling the PM “very equable, very polite” during the call.
From BBC • Jul. 12, 2022
Though he grows somber when he discusses current events, Browne also seems to have softened with age — exuding less of an obstinate attitude than an equable one.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2021
It’s here, in the narration, that the novel finds itself — in the equable plainness of its language, a plainness that is nevertheless impressionistic and light-filled.
From New York Times • Mar. 16, 2020
Espionage and intelligence are so conducive to mistrust that the people who make the best use of them tend to be the most equable and disinclined to suspicion.
From The New Yorker • Aug. 26, 2019
“No, I just help out in the evenings,” Malcolm said in his most equable tone.
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
