/ ˈiːkwəl; NAmE / adjective , noun , verb
■ adjective
1.
equal (to sb/sth) the same in size, quantity, value, etc. as sth else :
There is an equal number of boys and girls in the class.
One unit of alcohol is equal to half a pint of beer.
two pieces of wood equal in length / of equal length
HELP NOTE : You can use exactly , precisely , approximately , etc. with equal in this meaning.
2.
having the same rights or being treated the same as other people, without differences such as race, religion or sex being considered :
equal rights / pay
The company has an equal opportunities policy (= gives the same chances of employment to everyone) .
the desire for a more equal society (= in which everyone has the same rights and chances)
HELP NOTE : You can use more with equal in this meaning.
3.
equal to sth ( formal ) having the necessary strength, courage and ability to deal with sth successfully :
I hope that he proves equal to the challenge.
—see also equally
•
IDIOMS
- on equal terms (with sb)
—more at thing
■ noun
a person or thing of the same quality or with the same status, rights, etc. as another :
She treats the people who work for her as her equals.
Our cars are the equal of those produced anywhere in the world.
•
IDIOMS
- be without equal | have no equal
- some (people, members, etc.) are more equal than others
—more at first noun
■ verb ( -ll- , US -l- )
1.
linking verb [ v - n ] to be the same in size, quantity, value, etc. as sth else :
2x plus y equals 7 (2x+y=7)
A metre equals 39.38 inches.
2.
[ vn ] to be as good as sth else or do sth to the same standard as sb else :
This achievement is unlikely ever to be equalled.
Her hatred of religion is equalled only by her loathing for politicians.
With his last jump he equalled the world record.
3.
[ vn ] to lead to or result in sth :
Cooperation equals success.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin aequalis , from aequus even, level, equal.