Words / C2

at-uh-RAKS-ee-uh/ˌætəˈræksiə/

Ataraxia is a state of serene calmness and freedom from disturbance (literary / philosophy): a pose of ataraxia, ataraxia at the table. Calm (already in the dictionary) is everyday not worried; peace and quiet (already in the dictionary) are everyday stillness. Imperturbable (already in the dictionary) is unshakably calm of a person — the close twin of temperament. This batch: stygian is pitch-dark gloom — the opposite flavour. Poise at a sitting is not a close.

Meaning

A state of serene calmness and freedom from disturbance (literary / philosophy).

Examples

• “Ataraxia at the table is not a sitting close.”
• “Calm is everyday not worried (already in A2). Peace is a time without fighting or noise (already in A2). Quiet is with little sound (already in A2). Imperturbable is unshakably calm (already in C2). Stygian is pitch-dark and gloomy (this batch) — the contrast. A dated minute can still be calm. Stillness that never closes the item is theatre. Write the close; then the hush.”

Good to know

Serene untroubled calm. Everyday: calm / peace / quiet (already in this dictionary). Close: imperturbable (already in C2). This batch: stygian (the contrast). Stillness ≠ a close.

Near in meaning

serenity, calm, composure, tranquillity

New