equal Meaning & Definition
What Does Equal Mean?
Equal is an adjective that means The same in one or more respects. It can also mean The same in value (status, merit, etc): having or deserving the same rights or treatment. As a verb, it means To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to. As a noun, it means A person or thing of equal status to others.
Equal in Brief
| Part of speech | adjective, verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈiːkwəl// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | close, touch and peer |
| Antonyms | differ, unequal and unlike |
| Plural | equals |
| Comparative / superlative | more equal, most equal |
| Verb forms | equals, and past participle |
Equal Definition (Adjective)
- The same in one or more respects.
We hold that all men are created equal and are thus equal under the law.
- The same in value (status, merit, etc): having or deserving the same rights or treatment.
We hold that all men are created equal and are thus equal under the law.
- The same in all respects that matter practically; interchangeable, fungible, or (even sometimes) identical for practical purposes.
Equal conditions should produce equal results.
- Exactly identical, having the same value.
All right angles are equal.
- Fair, impartial.
- Adequate; sufficiently capable or qualified.
This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.
- Not variable; equable; uniform; even.
an equal movement
- Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; not mixed.
Equal as a Verb
- To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.
Two plus two equals four.
- To make equivalent to; to cause to match.
David equaled the water levels of the bottles, so they now both contain exactly 1 liter.
- To match in degree or some other quality, to match up to.
- To have as consequence, to amount to, to mean.
Losing this deal equals losing your job.
Equal as a Noun
- A person or thing of equal status to others.
We're all equals here.
- State of being equal; equality.
Verb
- To have as its consequence.
Losing this deal equals losing your job.
Adjective
- The same in all respects.
All men are created equal.
Synonyms of Equal
Antonyms of Equal
Equal in a Sentence
We hold that all men are created equal and are thus equal under the law.
Equal conditions should produce equal results.
All else being equal, we can expect this factor to have no discernible effect by itself.
All right angles are equal.
This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.
be equal to the task
an equal movement
Two plus two equals four.
David equaled the water levels of the bottles, so they now both contain exactly 1 liter.
Losing this deal equals losing your job.
Might does not equal right.
We're all equals here.
This beer has no equal.
All men are created equal.
Word Forms & Grammar
equal (not generally comparable, comparative more equal, superlative most equal)
equal (third-person singular simple present equals, present participle (US) equaling or (UK) equalling, simple past and past participle (US) equaled or (UK) equalled)
equal (countable and uncountable, plural equals)
Words That Rhyme With Equal
Origin of Equal
From Middle English equal, from Latin aequālis. Doublet of aequalis and egal.
How Do You Say Equal?
Equal is pronounced //ˈiːkwəl// and has 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Equal
Is equal an adjective or a verb?
Equal is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a verb and a noun.
What is another word for equal?
You can replace equal with words such as close, touch and peer. See the full list of equal synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of equal?
The opposite of equal can be expressed with words like differ, unequal and unlike.
What is the plural of equal?
The plural of equal is equals.
What is the past tense of equal?
The past tense of equal is and past participle.