equal
gb/ˈikwəl/ us/ˈikwəl/
A2
English
~ 1600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Having the same amount or value
Being the same in number, size, value, or importance.
Usage pattern:
[something] is equal to [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'equal' with 'same'. 'Equal' focuses on amount or value, while 'same' can mean identical in every way.
Synonyms
identical (Emphasizes being exactly the same in all respects, not just in amount or value.)
Antonyms
unequal (Describes things that are different in amount, size, value, or status.)
Collocations
equal rights
|equal opportunities
|equal parts
|equal importance
Themes
math
|comparison
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Both teams are of equal strength.
- The prize money will be divided into equal parts.
- All citizens should have equal rights.
- The two boxes are equal in weight.
- This job offers equal pay for equal work.
Learner examples
- Two plus two is equal to four.
- The apples are equal in size.
- We have equal time to speak.
- Men and women have equal rights.
Verb
A2
state
2
To be the same as in amount or value
To have the same number, amount, or value as something else.
Usage pattern:
[something] equals [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners may forget to use 'equals' with -s for third person singular present tense.
Synonyms
match (In this context, means to be the same in level or amount.)
Antonyms
differ (Means to be not the same in amount or value.)
Collocations
equals sign
|ten equals five plus five
|effort equals results
Themes
math
|comparison
|core_vocabulary
|science
Examples
- In math, two plus two equals four.
- His score equals the highest ever recorded.
- The land area of France nearly equals that of Texas.
Learner examples
- Three times three equals nine.
- Her speed equals his speed.
- Five plus five equals ten.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Person of same status or ability
Someone who has the same rights, abilities, or position as another person.
Synonyms
peer (Often used for people of similar age, status, or ability.)
Antonyms
superior (Someone of higher rank or ability.)
Collocations
treat someone as an equal
|among equals
|considered his equal
Themes
society
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She never felt like an equal among her colleagues.
- They treated me as an equal despite my age.
- He is my equal in chess skills.
Learner examples
- I see her as my equal.
- We are equals at work.
- He is my equal in games.
adjective
formal
B2
property
4
Fair and impartial treatment
Treating all people in a fair way without giving anyone special help or advantage.
Synonyms
impartial (Focuses on not favoring one side over another.)
Antonyms
unfair (Treating people unequally or unjustly.)
Collocations
equal justice
|equal treatment
Themes
justice
|ethics
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
|law
Examples
- The law requires equal treatment for all citizens.
- He is known for his equal judgment in disputes.
- The policy ensures equal opportunities for all employees.
Learner examples
- The teacher gave equal help to all students.
- We want equal treatment for everyone.
- The rules give equal chance to win.
Grammar
Dictionary form
equal
IPA
GB/ˈikwəl/
US/ˈikwəl/
Syllables & stress
equal (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (equal)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: equal
Noun
- Base: equal
- Plural: equals
Verb
- Base: equal
- 3rd Person Singular: equals
- Present Participle: equaling, equalling
- Past: equaled, equalled
- Past Participle: equalled
Word family
Forms
equals
noun
equaling
verb
equalling
verb
equaled
verb
equalled
verb
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
equivalence
noun
equalize
verb
equalization
noun
Highlights
- Irregular past participle: equalled Verb
Expressions
equal pay for equal work
1/ˈikwəl pˈeɪ fɚ ˈikwəl wˈɚk/
fixed phrase
Same pay for same job
The idea that people should get paid the same amount for doing the same job, no matter who they are.
Examples
- The union is fighting for equal pay for equal work.
- Equal pay for equal work is a basic principle of fairness.
equal to the task
1/ˈikwəl tə ðə tˈæsk/
fixed phrase
Able to do a job well
Having enough skill or strength to do something successfully.
Examples
- Despite the challenge, she proved equal to the task.
- He wondered if he was equal to the task ahead.
first among equals
1/fˈɚst əmˈʌŋ ˈikwəlz/
idiom
formal
Leader in a group of equals
The person who is most important in a group where everyone has the same rank or position.
Examples
- As prime minister, she was first among equals in the cabinet.
- He was considered first among equals by his peers.
on equal footing
1/ˈɔn ˈikwəl fˈʊtɪŋ/
fixed phrase
With the same rights and chances
In a situation where everyone has the same rights and chances.
Examples
- The agreement puts both companies on equal footing.
- They met on equal footing during the negotiations.