1 equal
Pronounced:
/ˈi:kwəl/
Function:
adjectiveMeaning:
1 a : the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality ▪ an equal number of apples and oranges ▪ officers of equal rank ▪ issues of equal importance = issues that are equal in importance ▪ We divided the profits into three equal shares. ▪ The play combines tragedy and comedy in equal measure/proportions. ▪ The opposing candidate has demanded equal time on television. ▪ “…all men are created equal…” —U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776) ▪ people from different cultures learning to live together on equal terms [=learning to live together as equals] ▪ making it possible for poor children to compete on an equal footing [=in conditions where they have an equal chance] with other children —often + to ▪ In one night he earned an amount equal to an entire month's salary. ▪ issues that are equal in importance to the most serious problems we face b : having the same mathematical value ▪ The fractions 1⁄2 and 2⁄4 are equal. —often + to ▪ 1⁄2 is equal to 2⁄4.
2 : not changing : the same for each person ▪ providing equal opportunities for children of all races ▪ We need to have equal academic standards for male and female students. ▪ equal rights ▪ (US) an equal opportunity employer = (Brit) an equal opportunities employer [=an employer who does not discriminate against people because of their race, religion, etc.]
3 formal : able to do what is needed —+ to ▪ He says that he's equal to the task. [=he's capable of completing the task]
2 : not changing : the same for each person ▪ providing equal opportunities for children of all races ▪ We need to have equal academic standards for male and female students. ▪ equal rights ▪ (US) an equal opportunity employer = (Brit) an equal opportunities employer [=an employer who does not discriminate against people because of their race, religion, etc.]
3 formal : able to do what is needed —+ to ▪ He says that he's equal to the task. [=he's capable of completing the task]
all/other things being equal —see thing