equitable

[ek-wi-tuh-buhl]

adjective

characterized by equity or fairness; just and right; fair; reasonable: equitable treatment of all citizens.
Law.
1. pertaining to or valid in equity.
2. pertaining to the system of equity, as distinguished from the common law.

Origin of equitable

First recorded in 1640–50; equit(y) + -able

Related formseq·ui·ta·bil·i·ty, eq·ui·ta·ble·ness, nouneq·ui·ta·bly, adverbnon·eq·ui·ta·ble, adjectivenon·eq·ui·ta·bly, adverbqua·si-eq·ui·ta·ble, adjectivequa·si-eq·ui·ta·bly, adverb

Can be confusedequable equitable

Synonyms for equitable

impartial, proper, unbiased.

Antonyms for equitable

unfair, unjust, unequitable, biased, prejudiced.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for equitability

equitable

adjective

impartial or reasonable; fair; justan equitable decision
law relating to or valid in equity, as distinct from common law or statute law
law (formerly) recognized in a court of equity only, as claims, rights, etc

Derived Formsequitableness, nounequitably, adverb

Word Origin for equitable

C17: from French équitable, from équité equity

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for equitability

equitable

adj.

1640s, from French équitable (16c.), from équité (see equity). Related: Equitably.