First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1equal
adjective \ˈē-kwəl\
: the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality
: having the same mathematical value
: not changing : the same for each person
Full Definition of EQUAL
1
a (1) : of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another (2) : identical in mathematical value or logical denotation : equivalent b : like in quality, nature, or status c : like for each member of a group, class, or society <provide equal employment opportunities>
2
: regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : impartial
3
: free from extremes: as a : tranquil in mind or mood b : not showing variation in appearance, structure, or proportion
4
a : capable of meeting the requirements of a situation or a task b : suitable <bored with work not equal to his abilities>
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See equal defined for kids
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Origin of EQUAL
Middle English, from Latin aequalis, from aequus level, equal
Related to EQUAL
- Synonyms
- candid, disinterested, dispassionate, fair, equitable, evenhanded, impartial, indifferent, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced
- Antonyms
- biased, ex parte, inequitable, nonobjective, one-sided, partial, parti pris, partisan, prejudiced, unjust
Synonym Discussion of EQUAL
same, selfsame, very, identical, equivalent, equal mean not different or not differing from one another. same may imply and selfsame always implies that the things under consideration are one thing and not two or more things <took the same route> <derived from the selfsame source>. very, like selfsame, may imply identity, or, like same, may imply likeness in kind <the very point I was trying to make>. identical may imply selfsameness or suggest absolute agreement in all details <identical results>. equivalent implies amounting to the same thing in worth or significance <two houses equivalent in market value>. equal implies being identical in value, magnitude, or some specified quality <equal shares in the business>.
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
Rhymes with EQUAL
2equal
noun
: someone or something that is as good, skillful, valuable, etc., as another person or thing
Full Definition of EQUAL
1
: one that is equal <insists that women can be absolute equals with men — Anne Bernays>
2
: an equal quantity
See equal defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EQUAL
1573
Related to EQUAL
- Synonyms
- coequal, compeer, coordinate, counterpart, equivalent, fellow, like, match, parallel, peer, rival
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
3equal
verb
—used to say that one amount or number is the same as another
: to be as good as (something else)
: to produce something that is as good as (something else) or to do something as well as (someone else)
equaled or equalledequal·ing or equal·ling
Full Definition of EQUAL
transitive verb
1
: to be equal to; especially : to be identical in value to
2
archaic : equalize
3
: to make or produce something equal to
See equal defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EQUAL
1590
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
EQUAL Defined for Kids
1equal
adjective \ˈē-kwəl\
Definition of EQUAL for Kids
1
: exactly the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality <an equal share> <of equal importance>
2
: the same for each person <equal rights>
3
: having enough strength, ability, or means <He's equal to the task.>
— equal·ly \ˈē-kwə-lē\ adverb <We shared the profit equally.>
2equal
verb
equaled or equalledequal·ing or equal·ling
Definition of EQUAL for Kids
: to be the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality as
3equal
noun
Definition of EQUAL for Kids
: someone or something that is as good or valuable as another
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