equilibrium

Where does the word "equilibrium" come from? It comes from Latin aequus, passing through Latin before entering English (1600s).

Equilibrium’s story begins in Latin: aequus meant “equal, even.” Equal, even, combined with libra (balance, scales). Within Latin, it grew into aequilibrium by ancient. Equal balance, from aequus and libra. It reached English by 1600s as equilibrium. From Latin 'aequus', equal, plus 'libra', balance or scales. Today, equilibrium means a state of balance between opposing forces or influences.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient aequus "equal, even", equal, even, combined with libra (balance, scales).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient aequilibrium "equal balance", equal balance, from aequus and libra.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s equilibrium "a state of balance between opposing forces", from Latin 'aequus', equal, plus 'libra', balance or scales.