equal

The word “equal” means the same in amount, value, size, status, or rights. In plain terms, the same as something else in size, value, rank, or rights.

“Equal” is pronounced EEK-wuhl (/ˈiːkwəl/ in IPA).

Here is “equal” used in a sentence: “The two teams scored an equal number of points.”

Words with a similar meaning to “equal” include coordinate, even, identical, level and on a par.

The opposite of “equal” — its antonyms — is unequal.

Depending on how it is used, “equal” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.

The word “equal” comes from Latin. From Latin aequalis, "even, level, equal," from aequus ("level, fair").

“Equal” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

'Equal' means giving everyone exactly the same — the same amount, share, or treatment. 'Equitable' means being fair, which can involve adjusting for people's different needs and circumstances. Equal splits a cake into identical slices; equitable gives larger slices to the hungriest. Equal treats everyone alike; equitable aims at fair outcomes.

The main opposite is 'unequal' — different in amount, value, or status. Depending on context, 'uneven', 'unfair', 'disproportionate', or simply 'different' also serve. Unequal pay, an uneven contest, or unfair treatment all describe situations where things are not the same or not balanced.

Yes. As an adjective it means the same in amount or status. As a verb it means to be the same as, as in 'two plus two equals four'. As a noun, an equal is a person of the same rank or ability — someone you treat as an equal.

You might say two lengths of rope are equal when they measure the same, or that citizens have equal rights under the law. Splitting a bill into equal shares, or paying men and women equal wages for the same work, all show the sense of being identical in amount or status.