English Reference

Word

equal

US/ˈikwəɫ/

UK/ˈiːkwəl/

Definitions

01the same in amount or value

A2 · Elementary Mathematics

adj. being the same in size, number, value, or rank.

adj. identical in mathematical value, physical quantity, or social status.

“The two teams were given an equal amount of time to finish the task.”

“The treaty ensures that both nations receive equal access to the shared waterway for commercial shipping.”

Antonyms

02capable or adequate

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

adj. having the necessary strength, skill, or ability for a task.

adj. possessing the requisite qualities or resources to meet a specific challenge; usually follows 'to'.

“I hope I am equal to the challenge of starting this new job.”

“Despite her initial nerves, she proved more than equal to the task of managing the international merger.”

Usage

Usually used in the pattern 'equal to the task' or 'equal to the challenge'.

Antonyms

03to be the same as

A2 · Elementary Mathematics

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

v. to be identical in value or to result in a specific total.

“Two plus two equals four.”

“The total cost of the repairs will likely equal the original purchase price of the vehicle.”

Synonyms

matchamount to

Antonyms

04to result in

B1 · Intermediate Informal

v. to lead to a specific result or to mean the same thing.

v. to have as a logical consequence or to be equivalent in effect.

“In this office, working late usually equals a free lunch the next day.”

“For many investors, a sudden drop in interest rates equals an immediate opportunity to refinance their debt.”

Synonyms

05to do as well as

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to do something as well as someone else has done it before.

v. to match a previous achievement or performance in quality or degree.

“No one has been able to equal his record for the fastest marathon.”

“While many artists have tried to imitate her style, few have managed to equal the emotional depth of her early work.”

06a person of the same rank

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who has the same importance, rights, or status as you.

n. a person or thing that possesses the same status, age, or ability as another.

“She treats all her employees as equals and listens to their ideas.”

“In the realm of theoretical physics, he was widely regarded as the equal of the greatest minds of the century.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “equal” in context.

Verb

01. be equal

“The score was equal at the end of the first half.”

verb + adj

02. equal to

“One meter is roughly equal to three feet.”

adj + prep

03. remain equal

“Despite the changes, the pressure must remain equal in both chambers.”

verb + adj

04. treat as equal

“All citizens should be treated as equal under the law.”

verb + prep + adj

Adjective

05. broadly equal

“The candidates are broadly equal in terms of experience.”

adv + adj

06. roughly equal

“The two groups were roughly equal in size.”

adv + adj

Noun

07. equal opportunity

“The company is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants.”

adj + noun

08. equal rights

“The movement campaigned for equal rights for all workers.”

adj + noun

09. equal to the task

“She proved herself more than equal to the task of managing the project.”

10. of equal importance

“Both factors are of equal importance to the final decision.”

11. on an equal footing

“Small businesses need to compete on an equal footing with larger firms.”

Etymology

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

equal(B1)

Idioms

Domains

MathematicsMusic

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/equal

English Reference