equal

American  

[ee-kwuhl] / ˈi kwəl /

adjective

1. as great as; the same as (often followed by to orwith ).

   The velocity of sound is not equal to that of light.

2. like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc..

   two students of equal brilliance.

   Synonyms:

   correspondent, coordinate, commensurate, proportionate

   Antonyms:

   different

3. evenly proportioned or balanced.

   an equal contest.

4. uniform in operation or effect.

   equal laws.

   Synonyms:

   invariant, regular, uniform, even

5. adequate or sufficient in quantity or degree.

   The supply is equal to the demand.

6. having adequate ability, means, or other characteristics: Their English boots were not equal to the rigors of a Canadian winter.

   He was equal to the task.

   Their English boots were not equal to the rigors of a Canadian winter.

   Synonyms:

   fitted, suited

   Antonyms:

   inadequate

7. tranquil or undisturbed.

   to confront death with an equal mind.

8. impartial or equitable.

9. Archaic. having an even surface; level.

   the treeless, equal plains.

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noun

1. a person or thing that is equal to another, as in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability.

   Synonyms:

   fellow, equivalent, match, compeer, peer, coequal

verb (used with object)

equaled, equaling, equalled, equalling

1. to be or become equal to; meet or match.

   So far the rate of production doesn't equal the demand.

   If A equals B and B equals C, then A equals C.

2. to make or do something equal to.

   No matter how he tries, he can't equal his brother's achievements.

3. Archaic. to make equal; equalize.

4. Obsolete. to recompense fully.

equal British  

/ ˈiːkwəl /

adjective

1. identical in size, quantity, degree, intensity, etc; the same (as)

2. having identical privileges, rights, status, etc

   all men are equal before the law

3. having uniform effect or application

   equal opportunities

4. evenly balanced or proportioned

   the game was equal between the teams

5. (usually foll by to) having the necessary or adequate strength, ability, means, etc (for)

   to be equal to one's work

6. another word for equivalent

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noun

1. a person or thing equal to another, esp in merit, ability, etc

   he has no equal when it comes to boxing

verb

1. (tr) to be equal to; correspond to; match

   my offer equals his

2. to become equal or level

3. (tr) to make, perform, or do something equal to

   to equal the world record

4. archaic (tr) to make equal

equal Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing equal

• other things being equal
• separate but equal

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Usage

See unique.

The use of more equal as in from now on their relationship will be a more equal one is acceptable in modern English usage. Equally is preferred to equally as in sentences such as reassuring the victims is equally important. Just as is preferred to equally as in sentences such as their surprise was just as great as his

Related Words

Equal, equivalent, tantamount imply a correspondence between two or more things. Equal indicates a correspondence in all respects or in a particular respect: A dime is equal to 10 cents (that is, in purchasing power). Equivalent indicates a correspondence in one or more respects, but not in all: An egg is said to be the equivalent of a pound of meat in nutritive value. Tantamount, a word of limited application, is used of immaterial things that are equivalent: The prisoner's refusal to answer was tantamount to an admission of guilt.

Other Word Forms

• equally
  adverb
• nonequal
  adjective
• quasi-equal
  adjective
• quasi-equally
  adverb
• subequal
  adjective
• subequally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of equal

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English adjective from Latin aequālis “equal, like,” equivalent to aequ(us) “even, plain, just” + -ālis -al ¹

Explanation

Things that are the same size or have the same traits are said to be equal. When it comes to people, being equal means everyone has the same rights and opportunities — and responsibilities. When two or more things are level or balanced, they are said to be equal. This balance can refer to volume, weight, or quantity, or any other trait being compared. In a contest in which each side has the same chance of winning, the match is said to be equal. And when a person is considered at the same level with another in some respect, he or she is said to be that person's equal.

Example Sentences

Lai said Taiwan is willing to "engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China" on an equal footing, but insisted "we will not sacrifice our sovereignty and democratic way of life."

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

“I really do hope that more couples feel a more equal part in collaborating and having fun together and exploring,” said Millington-Liquorice, 32, a photographer and director.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Under the rules, Carr said, the show would have to give equal time to a Republican candidate.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Quantum theory predicts that the value should equal exactly two, representing the relationship between the particle's wobble and the magnetic field surrounding it.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

That evening, he and Lombardy went over the endgame position, which consisted of both Bobby and Bronstein having a rook, a bishop, and an equal number of pawns.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• balanced
• commensurate
• comparable
• corresponding
• equivalent
• identical
• proportionate