equal
EEK-wuhl
Equal (adj) means the same in amount, value, size, status, or rights. Example: “The two teams scored an equal number of points.”
adj
1
The same in amount, value, size, status, or rights.
"The two teams scored an equal number of points."
"All employees deserve equal pay for equal work."
"Cut the cake into eight equal slices so everyone is happy."
verb
1
To be the same as in value or amount; to match.
"Two plus two equals four."
"No performance since has equaled her Olympic record."
"If every tin costs the same, three tins equal three times that amount."
noun
1
A person or thing having the same status, rank, or ability as another.
"She treats every member of staff as an equal."
"Nobody in the village was his equal at chess."
"In our team, we regard one another as equals."
How to use equal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe same as something else in size, value, rank, or rights.
Common pairings
equal rights
equal opportunity
all things being equal
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Word forms
- Plural
- equals
- Third person singular
- equals
- Past tense
- equaled, equalled
- Comparative
- more equal
- Superlative
- most equal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two teams scored an _____ number of points.
Etymology
From Latin aequalis, "even, level, equal," from aequus ("level, fair").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for equal
See all rhymes for equal →Frequently asked questions
What does “equal” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “equal”?
“Equal” is pronounced EEK-wuhl (/ˈiːkwəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “equal” in a sentence?
Here is “equal” used in a sentence: “The two teams scored an equal number of points.”
What is another word for “equal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “equal” include coordinate, even, identical, level and on a par.
What is the opposite of “equal”?
The opposite of “equal” — its antonyms — is unequal.
What part of speech is “equal”?
Depending on how it is used, “equal” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “equal” come from?
The word “equal” comes from Latin. From Latin aequalis, "even, level, equal," from aequus ("level, fair").
Is “equal” a common word?
“Equal” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between equal and equitable?
'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.
What is the opposite of 'equal'?
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.
Can 'equal' be a verb or a noun?
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.
What is an example of '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.
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