# equals

/ˈikwəɫz/ (US) · /ˈiːkwəlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/equals
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to be the same as

verb · CEFR A2

to be the same in size, number, or value as something else.

For teachers: to be identical in value, quantity, or status. This form is the third-person singular present indicative.

- In basic math, two plus two equals four.
- The total cost of the renovation equals the original purchase price of the property, representing a significant investment for the family.

### 2. people of the same status

noun · CEFR B1

people who have the same rights, age, or importance as you.

For teachers: individuals who possess the same rank, ability, or social standing as others. Usually plural in this sense.

- She wanted to be treated as one of their equals at work.
- The treaty was designed to ensure that both nations negotiated as equals, regardless of their relative economic power.

### 3. the mathematical symbol

noun · CEFR B2

the symbol '=' used in math to show that two things are the same.

For teachers: the mathematical sign consisting of two parallel horizontal lines used to indicate equality.

- Don't forget to put the equals sign before the final answer.
- The student mistakenly placed two equals signs in the same line of the equation, making the logic difficult to follow.

## Examples

- In this company, we treat all our colleagues as equals.
- The two athletes respected each other as equals, knowing they both trained just as hard for the gold medal.
- The treaty was designed to ensure that both nations entered the agreement as equals, regardless of their relative economic power or military strength.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.