ataraxia
/ˌætəˈræksiə/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
ἀταραξία — imperturbability
Overview
Meaning Now
- A state of serene calmness; untroubled mind; freedom from anxiety and emotional disturbance.
Literal older meaning
lack of disturbance or agitation
Language path
Ancient Greek → English
Earliest form
ἀταραξία
Earliest period
4th century BCE
Journey
Ataraxia was a central concept in Hellenistic philosophy, particularly in Epicureanism, Pyrrhonism, and Stoicism. It represented the ultimate goal of philosophical life: achieving a state where one is not disturbed by physical pain or mental anxiety.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek (4th century BCE)
ἀταραξία
“the state of being untroubled”
Used prominently by Pyrrho and Epicurus.
- Hellenistic Greek
ataraxia
“tranquility of mind”
Transliterated into Latinate contexts.
- Early Modern English (17th century)
ataraxy
“philosophical peace of mind”
First recorded in English via French influence.
- Modern English
ataraxia
“a state of serene calmness”
Re-adopted as a direct loanword from Greek.
Connections
Word parts
a-
prefix
not, without
tarax-
root
disturbance, confusion
-ia
suffix
state of
Related across languages
French
ataraxie
peace of mind
Latin
imperturbability
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.