equate
/ɪˈkweɪt/- 1.
To consider or treat two things as being the same or equal. You use this word when you believe one thing is basically the same as another, even if they are not exactly identical.
- Many students equate good grades with real intelligence.
- Don't equate being silent with being rude.
- She equates hard work with eventual success.
- 2.
In mathematics or science, to show that two values or expressions are equal, usually in a formula or equation.
- The formula equates energy with mass times the speed of light squared.
- We equate both sides of the equation to find the unknown.
Adinary Nuance
Equate is stronger than its near-neighbors compare and associate. When you compare things, you look at both similarities and differences — no judgment of sameness is made. When you equate two things, you are saying they are essentially the same, which is a much bolder claim. Liken is a softer alternative: "She likened the city to a jungle" draws a poetic parallel without fully claiming they are equal. Associate only creates a mental link — "I associate rain with sadness" — without implying the two things are equivalent. In academic writing, especially IELTS essays, choosing equate signals a strong, arguable position, which can work in your favor — or against you if the equation is too simplistic.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Coi là tương đương
- Spanish
- Equiparar
- Chinese
- 等同
- Japanese
- 同一視する
- Korean
- 동일시하다
Etymology
From Latin "aequare" meaning "to make level or equal," from "aequus" (equal, level). It entered English in the late 14th century, initially in mathematical contexts before broadening to conceptual comparisons.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'equate' and 'compare'?
- 'Compare' looks at both similarities and differences between two things. 'Equate' is stronger — it means you are treating two things as essentially the same. Saying 'I equate wealth with happiness' is a much bigger claim than 'I compare wealth and happiness.'
- Should I say 'equate with' or 'equate to'?
- Both are correct. 'Equate with' is more common in general use: 'Don't equate wealth with success.' 'Equate to' is used when one thing amounts to or results in another: 'Poor sleep equates to lower productivity.' In British English, 'equate with' is slightly preferred.
- Is 'equate' formal? Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes, 'equate' is an academic-register word and works well in IELTS Task 2 essays. It signals critical thinking — for example, 'Some people equate economic growth with national progress, but this view is overly simplistic.' It sounds confident and precise.
- Can 'equate' be used in everyday spoken English?
- It can, but it is more common in writing and formal speech. In casual conversation, people more often say 'I see X as the same as Y' or 'I think X equals Y.' Using 'equate' in conversation is perfectly correct but will sound slightly formal.