ataraxia

[ at-uh-rak-see-uh ]

noun

, Philosophy.

1. a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety, especially as an ongoing condition of soul-fulfilling attainment; unconditional tranquility:

   I’m not looking to achieve ataraxia—I just want a week away from the daily grind.

ataraxia

/ ˈætəˌræksɪ; ˌætəˈræksɪə /

noun

1. calmness or peace of mind; emotional tranquillity

Other Words From

• at·a·rac·tic [at-, uh, -, rak, -tik], at·a·rax·ic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ataraxia¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Greek ataraxía “impassiveness, calmness,” equivalent to atarák(tos) “unmoved” ( a- a- ⁶ + tarak-, a stem of tarássein “to disturb” + -tos verbid suffix) + -s(is) -sis + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of ataraxia¹

C17: from Greek: serenity, from ataraktos undisturbed, from a-1 ¹+ tarassein to trouble

Example Sentences

And I think what I found is much like what Greek philosophers called ataraxia, a suspended kind of calm in which you can find a surprising strength.

From New York Times

Christians for a century or two never thought of ataraxia or apathy, and, though Clement of Alexandria plays with them, he tries to give them a new turn.

From Project Gutenberg

Such an ataraxia may have been obtained by a few sages of old, but it is hardly human, and Jefferson, like Adams, was very human.

From Project Gutenberg

When the sage realizes this, he will cease to prefer one course of action to another, and the result will be apathy, "ataraxia."

From Project Gutenberg

The method, however, by which ataraxia or peace of mind could be reached, was peculiar to the Sceptic.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calm
• calmness
• comfort
• content
• luxury
• relaxation
• satisfaction
• serenity