Equipoise: meaning, definitions and examples

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equipoise

 

[ ˈɛkwɪpɔɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in medicine

A state of equilibrium or balance between opposing forces or influences.

Synonyms

balance, equilibrium, stability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equipoise

Typically in philosophical or metaphorical contexts to describe a state of balance or calmness in one's mind or character.

  • The decision required a careful equipoise between emotion and logic.
  • Achieving an inner equipoise is essential for personal growth.
balance

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe physical, financial, emotional, or moral stability.

  • She managed to balance work and family life effectively.
  • The gymnast maintained perfect balance on the beam.
equilibrium

Often used in scientific or formal contexts to describe a physical or chemical state of balance.

  • The scientist measured the equilibrium of the chemical reaction.
  • After the argument, they took time to regain their emotional equilibrium.
stability

Used to describe something that remains steady and unchanged over time, often used in contexts of finance, politics, or constructions.

  • The political stability of the country attracted many investors.
  • The engineer ensured the stability of the bridge.

Examples of usage

  • The drug works by maintaining equipoise between the two neurotransmitters.
  • The research aims to establish equipoise between the benefits and risks of the treatment.
Context #2 | Noun

in ethics

The principle that researchers should be in a state of genuine uncertainty about the comparative benefits of interventions in a clinical trial.

Synonyms

impartiality, neutrality, uncertainty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equipoise

Used to describe a state of balance or equal weight between different forces or interests.

  • The gymnast maintained perfect equipoise during her routine.
  • In negotiations, finding an equipoise of interests is crucial for success.
uncertainty

Used to describe a state of being unsure or having doubts about something.

  • There was a lot of uncertainty about the outcome of the election.
  • Economic uncertainty often affects consumer spending habits.
neutrality

Used to describe a stance of not taking sides in a conflict or argument.

  • Switzerland is known for its long-standing policy of neutrality.
  • The mediator's neutrality helped resolve the dispute.
impartiality

Used to describe fairness and lack of bias, especially in judgments or decisions.

  • The judge's impartiality was essential for a fair trial.
  • Good journalists must maintain impartiality to report the news accurately.

Examples of usage

  • The trial was conducted with strict adherence to the principle of equipoise.
  • Researchers must demonstrate equipoise to ensure the validity of the study results.

Translations

Translations of the word "equipoise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equilíbrio

🇮🇳 संतुलन

🇩🇪 Gleichgewicht

🇮🇩 keseimbangan

🇺🇦 рівновага

🇵🇱 równowaga

🇯🇵 均衡(きんこう)

🇫🇷 équilibre

🇪🇸 equilibrio

🇹🇷 denge

🇰🇷 균형

🇸🇦 توازن

🇨🇿 rovnováha

🇸🇰 rovnováha

🇨🇳 平衡 (pínghéng)

🇸🇮 ravnotežje

🇮🇸 jafnvægi

🇰🇿 теңдік

🇬🇪 ბალანსი

🇦🇿 tarazlıq

🇲🇽 equilibrio

Etymology

The term 'equipoise' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'aequipoise', meaning 'equal weight'. It was initially used in the context of physics to describe a state of equilibrium. Over time, the term expanded to encompass a broader concept of balance and neutrality, particularly in medical and ethical contexts.

See also: equip, equipment, equipped, equipping.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,427 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.