equivalent
/ɪˈkwɪv.ə.lənt/Equal in value, purpose, or effect, even if the form or type is different.
- One cup is equivalent to 240 millilitres.
- The two routes are roughly equivalent in distance.
- A diploma may be equivalent to two years of college credit.
A person, thing, or amount that is equal in value or function to something else.
- There is no direct English equivalent for that Hindi phrase.
- She earned the equivalent of three months' salary in one week.
- He is the local equivalent of a state governor.
Adinary Nuance
"Equivalent" is frequently confused with "equal," "identical," and "comparable," but each word carries a different weight. Equal usually refers to an exact numerical or quantitative match — two numbers are equal. Equivalent means the same in value, function, or effect even when the two things look completely different — a British A-level and an Indian Class 12 board exam are equivalent, but they are not identical. Comparable is weaker still: it only suggests a similarity worth noting, not a true match in value. In IELTS and academic writing, "equivalent" is your most precise option when you want to show that two different things serve the same purpose or carry the same weight.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Tương đương
- Spanish
- Equivalente
- Chinese
- 等同
- Japanese
- 同等
- Korean
- 동등한
Etymology
From Latin "aequivalentem," present participle of "aequivalere" meaning "to have equal power," built from "aequi-" (equal) and "valere" (to be worth). The word entered English in the 15th century via French "équivalent."
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'equivalent' and 'equal'?
- 'Equal' usually describes an exact numerical or measurable match, like two scores or two quantities. 'Equivalent' means the same in value or function even when the two things are different in form — 1.6 kilometres is equivalent to 1 mile, but they are not the same unit.
- Is 'equivalent' a formal word? Can I use it in everyday speech?
- 'Equivalent' works in both formal and informal contexts, but it appears most naturally in academic, scientific, and professional writing. In everyday conversation, native speakers often say 'the same as' instead. For IELTS essays, 'equivalent' is a strong and natural choice.
- Can 'equivalent' be both a noun and an adjective?
- Yes. As an adjective: 'The two methods are equivalent.' As a noun: 'There is no English equivalent for that expression.' Both uses are common in academic writing.
- What does the phrase 'the equivalent of' mean?
- 'The equivalent of' compares two things that are equal in value or effect. For example, 'Skipping breakfast every day is the equivalent of missing 365 meals a year' means the total value or impact is the same.