equivalent

[ ih-kwiv-uh-luhnt ee-kwuh-vey-luhnt ]

adjective

1. equal in value, measure, force, effect, significance, etc.:

   His silence is equivalent to an admission of guilt.

2. corresponding in position, function, etc.:

   In some ways their prime minister is equivalent to our president.

3. Geometry. having the same extent, as a triangle and a square of equal area.
4. Mathematics. (of two sets) able to be placed in one-to-one correspondence.
5. Chemistry. having the same capacity to combine or react chemically.

noun

1. something that is equivalent.

equivalent

/ ɪˈkwɪvələnt /

adjective

1. equal or interchangeable in value, quantity, significance, etc
2. having the same or a similar effect or meaning
3. maths
   1. having a particular property in common; equal
   2. (of two equations or inequalities) having the same set of solutions
   3. (of two sets) having the same cardinal number
4. maths logic (of two propositions) having an equivalence between them

noun

1. something that is equivalent
2. short for equivalent weight

equivalent

/ ĭ-kwĭv′ə-lənt /

1. Equal, as in value, meaning, or force.
2. 1. Of or relating to a relation between two elements that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
   2. Having a one-to-one correspondence, as between parts. Two triangles having the same area are equivalent, as are two congruent geometric figures.

Derived Forms

• eˈquivalently, adverb

Other Words From

• e·quiva·lent·ly adverb
• none·quiva·lent adjective noun
• none·quiva·lent·ly adverb
• quasi-e·quiva·lent adjective
• quasi-e·quiva·lent·ly adverb
• super·e·quiva·lent adjective noun
• une·quiva·lent adjective
• une·quiva·lent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivalent¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin aequivalent- (stem of aequivalēns ), present participle of aequivalēre. See equi-, -valent

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivalent¹

C15: from Late Latin aequivalēns, from aequivalēre to be equally significant, from Latin aequi- equi- + valēre to be worth

Synonym Study

See equal.

Example Sentences

And some of his most destructive work, like accelerating the Iranian nuclear program by pulling out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, or imposing economic sanctions on Venezuela so severe that they catalyzed a mass migration to the United States that he was able to blame on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, were the equivalent of planting bombs that go off long after you’ve left the room.

From Slate

A distinction* is worth 168 Ucas points - the same as three A*s at A-level - and a merit is equivalent to three Bs at A-level.

From BBC

Retention rates for most A-levels and other equivalent qualifications are consistently above 90%.

From BBC

The two-year course combines study with career experience and is equivalent to three A-levels, but there have been issues with the introduction of new subjects, and concerns about the quality of teaching delivered.

From BBC

Consumer group Which? says the legal action - which it has launched - could result in a £3bn payout if it is successful, equivalent to £70 per customer.

From BBC

Related Words

• commensurate
• comparable
• corresponding
• equal
• identical
• proportionate
• tantamount