ENGLISH
REFERENCE

equal

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈikwəɫ// UK //ˈiːkwəl// equal Archaic General-service Informal

n. a person or thing that has the same value, rank, or ability as another. You use this when comparing two people who are at the same level.

n. a person or thing that is identical to another in quantity, degree, value, or status. Often used in the plural to describe social or professional peers.


SIMPLE

She is my equal in every way.

CONTEXTUAL

In the debate, he finally met his equal, as his opponent was just as skilled at public speaking.

COMPLEX

The treaty was designed to ensure that both nations entered the agreement as equals, with neither side holding more political power than the other.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English equal, from Latin aequālis. Doublet of aequalis and egal.

Usage

Commonly used with the possessive ('my equal') or followed by the preposition 'in' to specify the area of equality.

Idioms1 entry

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