equilibrist

IPA/eˈkwɪl.ɪ.brɪst/
IPA/ˌiː.kwəˈlɪb.rɪst/

equilibrist — noun

  • equilibristsingular
  • equilibristsplural

1. a performer who does acts that depend on excellent balance, for example on a rop

1.nounC2
Definition

a performer who does acts that depend on excellent balance, for example on a rope, wire, or single wheel

Example

At dusk, Noor watched the equilibrist cross a wire above the square.

watch an equilibrist cross a wire

The equilibrist practiced on a low beam before the circus opened.

practice on a low beam

Common collocations
  • skilled equilibrist
  • circus equilibrist
  • equilibrist act
  • equilibrist cross a wire
Synonyms
  • acrobat

    a broader term for a performer who does physical tricks, not only balance acts

  • tightrope walker

    a narrower term for an equilibrist who performs on a rope or wire

  • performer

    much broader and does not specifically suggest balance skills

Grammar Patterns

watch an equilibrist cross a wire

train as an equilibrist

hire an equilibrist for a show

Usage Note

Usually refers to a stage or circus performer whose main skill is keeping balance in difficult positions. Tightrope walker is narrower, while acrobat is broader and can focus more on flips or jumps than on balance itself.

Common Mistakes

The equilibrist kept six plates spinning in the air.
The juggler kept six plates spinning in the air.
An equilibrist is defined by balance acts, not by tossing objects.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Equilibrist highlights balance as the center of the act. An acrobat may also jump, flip, or twist through the air, so it is a broader word for a physical performer. Tightrope walker is narrower: it fits someone who works specifically on a rope or wire, while an equilibrist may balance on chairs, beams, rolling objects, or a unicycle as well. Performer is much wider and tells you almost nothing about the skill involved. If a festival program says an equilibrist will appear, you expect a balance act. If it says an acrobat will appear, the routine could include tumbling, aerial tricks, or balancing.

acrobat ↗tightrope walker ↗performer ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Equilibrist came into English through French equilibriste and ultimately goes back to Latin roots meaning 'level' and 'balance'. The word has long been used for someone whose skill depends on keeping steady balance during a performance.

First known use

1760

1760, in the meaning defined above