/ee"kweuhl/ , adj., n., v., equaled, equaling or ( esp. Brit. ) equalled, equalling .
adj.
1. as great as; the same as (often fol. by to or with ): The velocity of sound is not equal to that of light.
2. like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.; of the same rank, ability, merit, etc.: two students of equal brilliance.
3. evenly proportioned or balanced: an equal contest.
4. uniform in operation or effect: equal laws.
5. adequate or sufficient in quantity or degree: The supply is equal to the demand.
6. having adequate powers, ability, or means: He was equal to the task.
7. level, as a plain.
8. tranquil or undisturbed: to confront death with an equal mind.
9. impartial or equitable.
n.
10. a person or thing that is equal.
v.t.
11. to be or become equal to; meet or match: So far the rate of production doesn't equal the demand. If A equals B and B equals C, then A equals C.
12. to make or do something equal to: No matter how he tries, he can't equal his brother's achievements.
13. Archaic. to make equal; equalize.
14. Obs. to recompense fully.
[ 1350-1400; ME (adj.) aequalis equal, like, equiv. to aequ ( us ) even, plain, just + -alis -AL 1 ]
Syn. 2. proportionate, commensurate, coordinate, correspondent. EQUAL, EQUIVALENT, TANTAMOUNT imply a correspondence between two or more things. EQUAL indicates a correspondence in all respects or in a particular respect: A dime is equal to 10 cents (that is, in purchasing power). EQUIVALENT indicates a correspondence in one or more respects, but not in all: An egg is said to be the equivalent of a pound of meat in nutritive value. TANTAMOUNT, a word of limited application, is used of immaterial things that are equivalent: The prisoner's refusal to answer was tantamount to an admission of guilt. 4. even, uniform, regular, unvarying, invariant. 6. suited, fitted. 10. peer, compeer, match, mate, fellow.
Ant. 2. different. 6. inadequate.
Usage. 1-9. See unique .