ENGLISH
REFERENCE

equal

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈikwəɫ// UK //ˈiːkwəl// equal
  1. 1 the same in amount or value (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Math

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The treaty ensures that both nations receive equal access to the shared waterway for commercial shipping.
  2. 2 capable or adequate (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.
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  1. 3 to be the same as (v.)
    A2 Elementary Math

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

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

    Example

    Two plus two equals four.

    Example

    The total cost of the repairs will likely equal the original purchase price of the vehicle.
  2. 4 to result in (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    For many investors, a sudden drop in interest rates equals an immediate opportunity to refinance their debt.
  3. 5 to do as well as (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    While many artists have tried to imitate her style, few have managed to equal the emotional depth of her early work.
  4. 6 a person of the same rank (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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

Idioms1 entry

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