equation
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a mathematical statement that shows two amounts are equal using an equals sign (=).
a formal statement of equality between two mathematical expressions, typically containing one or more variables.
Simple“The students spent the afternoon solving a difficult algebra equation.”
In context“The physicist derived a complex differential equation to model the fluid dynamics of the cooling system.”
UsageCountable; often used with the verbs 'solve', 'balance', or 'derive'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a situation where you must consider several different things to find a solution or understand a problem.
a complex situation or set of variables that must be balanced or considered as a whole.
Simple“Money is only one part of the equation when you are choosing a new job.”
In context“When planning urban expansion, environmental preservation must remain a central part of the equation.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'part of the equation'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
the act of treating two different things as if they are the same.
the process of equating two or more elements or the state of being equal.
Simple“The equation of wealth with happiness is a common mistake in modern society.”
In context“The author's simplistic equation of political dissent with treason was widely criticised by civil rights advocates.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
a small change made to a measurement to fix a regular error.
a small correction applied to observed values to compensate for systematic errors or variations.
Simple“The scientist applied a time equation to the data to get a more accurate result.”
In context“The equation of time accounts for the discrepancy between apparent solar time and mean solar time throughout the calendar year.”
Synonyms
“His fee, however, illustrates how quickly the equation can change once a teenager proves himself at senior level.”
“Part of the equation remains what we cannot see: the chemistry within a team, the relationship with a specific coach, playing in a system that brings out the best in every player.”
From Old French, from Latin aequātiō (“an equalizing”). Morphologically equate + -ion
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.