equivalent Meaning & Definition
What Does Equivalent Mean?
Equivalent is used as an adjective meaning Similar or identical in value, meaning or effect; virtually equal. It can also mean Of two sets, having a one-to-one correspondence. As a noun, it means Anything that is virtually equal to something else, or has the same value, force, etc. As a verb, it means To make equivalent to; to equal.
Equivalent at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ɪˈkwɪvələnt// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | like, same and equal |
| Antonyms | unequal and unlike |
| Plural | equivalents |
| Comparative / superlative | more equivalent, most equivalent |
| Verb forms | equivalents, equivalenting, equivalented |
Equivalent Definition (Adjective)
- Similar or identical in value, meaning or effect; virtually equal.
To burn calories, a thirty-minute jog is equivalent to a couple of hamburgers.
- Of two sets, having a one-to-one correspondence.
- Relating to the corresponding elements of an equivalence relation.
- Of two categories, (informally) such that one is essentially a relabeling of the other; (formally) related by a pair of functors such the composition of the one with the other is naturally isomorphic to the identity functor.
- Having the equal ability to combine.
- Of a map, equal-area.
- Equal in measure but not admitting of superposition; applied to magnitudes.
A square may be equivalent to a triangle.
Equivalent as a Noun
- Anything that is virtually equal to something else, or has the same value, force, etc.
He's the Italian equivalent of a district attorney.
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- An equivalent weight.
Equivalent as a Verb
- To make equivalent to; to equal.
Adjective
- Of two sets, having a one-to-one correspondence; equinumerous.
Synonyms of Equivalent
Equivalent synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Equivalent
Equivalent in a Sentence
To burn calories, a thirty-minute jog is equivalent to a couple of hamburgers.
A square may be equivalent to a triangle.
He's the Italian equivalent of a district attorney.
Word Forms & Grammar
equivalent (comparative more equivalent, superlative most equivalent)
equivalent (plural equivalents)
equivalent (third-person singular simple present equivalents, present participle equivalenting, simple past and past participle equivalented)
Words That Rhyme With Equivalent
Origin of Equivalent
Origin 1: From Latin aequivalentem, accusative singular of aequivalēns, present active participle of aequivaleō (“to be equivalent, have equal power”). By surface analysis, equi- + -valent.
Origin 2: Mostly displaced native Middle English efenmete.
How Do You Say Equivalent?
The standard pronunciation of equivalent is //ɪˈkwɪvələnt//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Equivalent
Is equivalent an adjective or a noun?
Equivalent is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.
What is another word for equivalent?
Close synonyms of equivalent are like, same and equal. See the full list of equivalent synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of equivalent?
The opposite of equivalent can be expressed with words like unequal and unlike.
What is the plural of equivalent?
The plural of equivalent is equivalents.
What is the past tense of equivalent?
The past tense of equivalent is equivalented. The present participle is equivalenting.