1
equal
/ˈiːkwəl/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of EQUAL
1
a
:
the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality
-
an equal number of apples and oranges
-
officers of equal rank
-
issues of equal importance = issues that are equal in importance
-
We divided the profits into three equal shares.
-
The play combines tragedy and comedy in equal measure/proportions.
-
The opposing candidate has demanded equal time on television.
-
“…all men are created
equal…”
U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776)
-
people from different cultures learning to live together on equal terms [=learning to live together as equals]
-
making it possible for poor children to compete on an equal footing [=in conditions where they have an equal chance] with other children
—
often + to
b
:
having the same mathematical value
—
often + to
2
:
not changing
:
the same for each person
-
providing equal opportunities for children of all races
-
We need to have equal academic standards for male and female students.
-
equal rights
-
(US) an equal opportunity employer = (Brit) an equal opportunities employer [=an employer who does not discriminate against people because of their race, religion, etc.]
3
formal
:
able to do what is needed
—
+ to
all/other things being equal
—
see thing
2
equal
/ˈiːkwəl/
noun
plural
equals
plural
equals
Britannica Dictionary definition of EQUAL
[count]
:
someone or something that is as good, skillful, valuable, etc., as another person or thing
-
I consider him my equal.
-
They say they are producing wine that is the equal of the best wines in the world. [=that is as good as the best wines in the world]
-
We are all equals here.
-
He has no equal at chess. = He is without equal at chess. [=no one plays chess as well as he does]
first among equals
—
see 1first
3
equal
/ˈiːkwəl/
verb
equals
US
equaled
or chiefly British
equalled
US
equaling
or chiefly British
equalling
equals
US
equaled
or chiefly British
equalled
US
equaling
or chiefly British
equalling
Britannica Dictionary definition of EQUAL
1
[linking verb]
—
used to say that one amount or number is the same as another
2
[+ object]
a
:
to be as good as (something else)
b
:
to produce something that is as good as (something else) or to do something as well as (someone else)
-
See if you can equal that!
-
a weight lifter attempting to equal his rival's performance
-
No one can equal him in chess.
3
[+ object]
:
to have the same force, effect, etc., as (something else)
—
usually used as (be) equaled