adjective
- as great as; the same as (often followed by to or with): The velocity of sound is not equal to that of light.
- like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.: two students of equal brilliance.
- evenly proportioned or balanced: an equal contest.
- uniform in operation or effect: equal laws.
- adequate or sufficient in quantity or degree: The supply is equal to the demand.
- having adequate powers, ability, or means: He was equal to the task.
- level, as a plain.
- tranquil or undisturbed: to confront death with an equal mind.
- impartial or equitable.
noun
- a person or thing that is equal.
verb (used with object), e·qualed, e·qual·ing or (especially British) e·qualled, e·qual·ling.
- to be or become equal to; meet or match: So far the rate of production doesn’t equal the demand. If A equals B and B equals C, then A equals C.
- to make or do something equal to: No matter how he tries, he can’t equal his brother’s achievements.
- Archaic. to make equal; equalize.
- Obsolete. to recompense fully.
adjective
- (often foll by to or with) identical in size, quantity, degree, intensity, etc; the same (as)
- having identical privileges, rights, status, etcall men are equal before the law
- having uniform effect or applicationequal opportunities
- evenly balanced or proportionedthe game was equal between the teams
- (usually foll by to) having the necessary or adequate strength, ability, means, etc (for)to be equal to one’s work
- another word for equivalent (def. 3a)
noun
- a person or thing equal to another, esp in merit, ability, etche has no equal when it comes to boxing
verb equals, equalling or equalled or US equals, equaling or equaled
- (tr) to be equal to; correspond to; matchmy offer equals his
- (intr usually foll by out) to become equal or level
- (tr) to make, perform, or do something equal toto equal the world record
- (tr) archaic to make equal
v.1580s, “compare, liken,” also “match, rival,” from equal (adj.). Related: Equaled; equaling. adj.late 14c., from Latin aequalis “uniform, identical, equal,” from aequus “level, even, just,” of unknown origin. Parallel formation egal (from Old French egal) was in use late 14c.-17c. The noun is recorded from 1570s. In addition to the idioms beginning with equal
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