Langimage
English

equal

|e/qual|

B1

/ˈiːkwəl/

same value or status

Etymology
Etymology Information

'equal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aequalis,' where 'aequus' meant 'level, even, just.'

Historical Evolution

'aequalis' transformed into the Old French word 'equal,' and eventually became the modern English word 'equal' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'level or even,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person or thing considered to be the same as another in status or quality.

He is my equal in intelligence.

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Antonyms

Verb 1

to be the same in value or amount as something else.

Two plus two equals four.

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Antonyms

Adjective 1

being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.

The two teams were equal in strength.

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Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35