noun
ataraxia
at-uh-RAK-see-uh
Ataraxia (noun) means a state of calm in which the mind is free from disturbance. Example: “After years of worry, she finally reached a kind of ataraxia about her future.”
noun
1
literary A state of calm in which the mind is free from disturbance.
"After years of worry, she finally reached a kind of ataraxia about her future."
"The philosopher taught that ataraxia was the goal of a well-lived life."
"Years of meditation had given him a rare ataraxia, and even the storm did not trouble him."
How to use ataraxia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA deep, undisturbed calm of the mind.
When to use it
It is a literary word, tied especially to Greek philosophy, and is rare in everyday speech.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
achieve ataraxia
a state of ataraxia
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After years of worry, she finally reached a kind of _____ about her future.
Etymology
The word comes from Ancient Greek ataraxia, built from a negative prefix and a verb meaning to trouble or disturb. So it literally means a lack of disturbance. It is a doublet of ataraxy.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ataraxia
See all rhymes for ataraxia →Frequently asked questions
What does ataraxia mean?
Ataraxia means tranquility of mind, a state with no mental disturbance. It is mostly a literary word.
Where does the word ataraxia come from?
It comes from Ancient Greek. The Greek word joins a negative prefix to a verb meaning to trouble or disturb.
Is ataraxia the same as ataraxy?
Yes, ataraxy is a closely related variant with the same sense of calm. The two words are doublets, meaning they share the same Greek source.
What is the meaning of ataraxia?
"ataraxia" (noun) means a state of calm in which the mind is free from disturbance.
