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adj Uncommon

equitable

EHK-wih-tuh-buhl

Equitable (adj) means Fair and just, especially in treating people according to what they need or deserve. Example: “The company promised a more equitable distribution of bonuses.”

adj
1
Fair and just, especially in treating people according to what they need or deserve.
"The company promised a more equitable distribution of bonuses."
"Reformers pushed for a more equitable tax system."

How to use equitable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFair — treating people in a way that's genuinely just, not necessarily identical.

Common mistake

Equitable is not the same as equal — an equitable solution may treat people differently in order to be fair.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
equitable distribution fair and equitable equitable treatment

Word forms

more equitable comparative, most equitable superlative

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The company promised a more _____ distribution of bonuses.

Etymology

From French équitable, from équité ("equity, fairness").

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for equitable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “equitable” mean?

The word “equitable” means fair and just, especially in treating people according to what they need or deserve. In plain terms, fair — treating people in a way that's genuinely just, not necessarily identical.

How do you pronounce “equitable”?

“Equitable” is pronounced EHK-wih-tuh-buhl (/ˈɛk.wɪ.tə.bəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “equitable” in a sentence?

Here is “equitable” used in a sentence: “The company promised a more equitable distribution of bonuses.”

What part of speech is “equitable”?

“Equitable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “equitable” come from?

The word “equitable” comes from French. From French équitable, from équité ("equity, fairness").

Is “equitable” a common word?

“Equitable” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial