equal

[ee-kwuhl]

adjective

1. as great as; the same as (often followed by to orwith ).

   The velocity of sound is not equal to that of light.

2. like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc..

   two students of equal brilliance.

   Synonyms: correspondent, coordinate, commensurate, proportionate
   Antonyms: different

3. evenly proportioned or balanced.

   an equal contest.

4. uniform in operation or effect.

   equal laws.

   Synonyms: invariant, regular, uniform, even

5. adequate or sufficient in quantity or degree.

   The supply is equal to the demand.

6. having adequate ability, means, or other characteristics: Their English boots were not equal to the rigors of a Canadian winter.

   He was equal to the task.

   Their English boots were not equal to the rigors of a Canadian winter.

   Synonyms: fitted, suited
   Antonyms: inadequate

7. tranquil or undisturbed.

   to confront death with an equal mind.

8. impartial or equitable.

9. Archaic.,  having an even surface; level.

   the treeless, equal plains.

noun

1. a person or thing that is equal to another, as in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability.

   Synonyms: fellow, equivalent, match, compeer, peer, peer, coequal

verb (used with object)

equaled, equaling , equalled, equalling .

1. to be or become equal to; meet or match.

   So far the rate of production doesn't equal the demand.

   If A equals B and B equals C, then A equals C.

2. to make or do something equal to.

   No matter how he tries, he can't equal his brother's achievements.

3. Archaic.,  to make equal; equalize.

4. Obsolete.,  to recompense fully.

equal

/ ˈiːkwəl /

adjective

1. identical in size, quantity, degree, intensity, etc; the same (as)

2. having identical privileges, rights, status, etc

   all men are equal before the law

3. having uniform effect or application

   equal opportunities

4. evenly balanced or proportioned

   the game was equal between the teams

5. (usually foll by to) having the necessary or adequate strength, ability, means, etc (for)

   to be equal to one's work

6. another word for equivalent

noun

1. a person or thing equal to another, esp in merit, ability, etc

   he has no equal when it comes to boxing

verb

1. (tr) to be equal to; correspond to; match

   my offer equals his

2. to become equal or level

3. (tr) to make, perform, or do something equal to

   to equal the world record

4. archaic,  (tr) to make equal

Usage

The use of more equal as in from now on their relationship will be a more equal one is acceptable in modern English usage. Equally is preferred to equally as in sentences such as reassuring the victims is equally important. Just as is preferred to equally as in sentences such as their surprise was just as great as his

See unique.

Other Word Forms

• equally adverb
• nonequal adjective
• quasi-equal adjective
• quasi-equally adverb
• subequal adjective
• subequally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of equal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English adjective from Latin aequālis “equal, like,” equivalent to aequ(us) “even, plain, just” + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of equal¹

C14: from Latin aequālis, from aequus level, of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases

• other things being equal
• separate but equal

Synonym Study

Equal, equivalent, tantamount imply a correspondence between two or more things. Equal indicates a correspondence in all respects or in a particular respect: A dime is equal to 10 cents (that is, in purchasing power). Equivalent indicates a correspondence in one or more respects, but not in all: An egg is said to be the equivalent of a pound of meat in nutritive value. Tantamount, a word of limited application, is used of immaterial things that are equivalent: The prisoner's refusal to answer was tantamount to an admission of guilt.

Example Sentences

Opposition to immigration, equal opportunities policies, and climate change measures feature prominently in Reform's campaigning – which often cites spending on these issues as alleged examples of government waste.

From BBC

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the new figures proved the need for the rule and "a different, more equal kind of doctor-patient relationship".

From BBC

They were equals and equally at home with his style, and the movement put the moving on, the “drifting like a leaf,” “feeling like a shadow,” stumbling “like a blind man,” in revealing relief.

From Los Angeles Times

Tyson Beukeboom comes in at lock and by winning her 80th cap she will equal Aaron Carpenter's record as the most-capped Canadian rugby player in history.

From BBC

Even in that, these depictions aren’t equal in quality or honesty.

From Salon

Related Words

• balanced 
• commensurate 
• comparable 
• corresponding 
• equivalent 
• identical 
• proportionate