equivalent

The word “equivalent” means equal in value, meaning, or effect, though not necessarily identical. In plain terms, being effectively equal to something else, or the equal counterpart of it, even if it's not exactly the same.

“Equivalent” is pronounced ih-KWIH-vuh-luhnt (/ɪˈkwɪvələnt/ in IPA).

Here is “equivalent” used in a sentence: “A US gallon is roughly equivalent to 3.8 liters.”

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

The word “equivalent” comes from Latin. From Latin aequivalens, "having equal power," from aequus ("equal") + valere ("to be strong, have power").

“Equivalent” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Equivalent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: equal in value, meaning, or effect, though not necessarily identical.

Equal means exactly the same in amount, value, or size — two equal halves are identical. Equivalent means the same in value, meaning, or effect, but not necessarily identical in form. A dollar and its exchange-rate amount in euros are equivalent, not equal; they buy the same but are different things.

Everyday examples include measurements — one kilometre is equivalent to about 0.62 miles — and money, where a price in one currency is equivalent to an amount in another. Two differently worded sentences can be equivalent in meaning, and in maths, fractions like 1/2 and 2/4 are equivalent because they share the same value.

Not quite. Equivalent things match in value, meaning, or effect, but they can differ in form or appearance. Identical things are exactly the same in every respect. So a debit card and cash can be equivalent for paying a bill, even though they are clearly not identical objects.