equivalence

American  

[ih-kwiv-uh-luhns, ee-kwuh-vey-luhns] / ɪˈkwɪv ə ləns, ˌi kwəˈveɪ ləns /

noun

1. the state or fact of being equivalent; equality in value, force, significance, etc.

2. an instance of this; an equivalent.

3. Chemistry. the quality of having equal valence.

4. Logic, Mathematics.

   1. Also called material implication.  the relation between two propositions such that the second is not false when the first is true.

   2. Also called material equivalence.  the relation between two propositions such that they are either both true or both false.

   3. the relation between two propositions such that each logically implies the other.

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adjective

1. (of a logical or mathematical relationship) reflexive, symmetrical, and transitive.

equivalence British  

/ ɪˈkwɪvələns /

noun

1. the state of being equivalent or interchangeable

2. maths logic

   1. the relationship between two statements, each of which implies the other

   2. Also called: biconditional.  the binary truth-function that takes the value true when both component sentences are true or when both are false, corresponding to English if and only if . Symbol: ≡ or ↔, as in –( p ∧ q ) ≡ – p ∨ – q

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Other Word Forms

• nonequivalence noun

Etymology

Origin of equivalence

1535–45; < Middle French < Medieval Latin aequivalentia, equivalent to Latin aequivalent- equivalent + -ia -ia; -ence

Example Sentences

Self-exoneration through false moral equivalence by public figures is as old as time itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

Not that I mean to imply any sort of qualitative or moral equivalence between “Saw” and this.

From Los Angeles Times

No equivalence is drawn the parent side, even though it's also true that a parent who refuses to make peace with an adult child runs the emotional risk of losing that relationship permanently.

From Salon

“When they argue equivalence, to the extent they argue equivalence, we are put on the back foot,” Cull said.

From Salon

“How refreshing it is to hear clear and morally sound statements that do not create a false equivalence or call for addressing ‘both sides,’” Mr. Smotrich said.

From New York Times