equitable
- 01 C1 Advanced
treating everyone in a fair and equal way.
characterized by fairness and impartiality; ensuring that all parties receive what is just.
Simple“The company promised an equitable distribution of profits among all its employees.”
In context“The mediator worked tirelessly to ensure an equitable settlement that addressed the grievances of both the workers and the management.”
PitfallThe two groups reached an equal agreement. The two groups reached an equitable agreement.Use 'equal' for identical amounts; use 'equitable' when the arrangement is fair to both sides even if the amounts differ.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
relating to a specific part of the law that focuses on fairness rather than just strict rules.
pertaining to the system of equity in law, which supplements statutory law to provide justice where strict legal rules might be too harsh.
Simple“The judge looked for an equitable remedy because the standard law was too strict.”
In context“The claimant sought an equitable injunction to prevent the developer from destroying the historic landmark before the trial began.”
UsageIn legal contexts, this often refers to 'Equity' as a distinct body of law from 'Common Law'.
“There is a risk that political, professional and media debate will deflect attention from the central priority: delivering safe and equitable care based on robust evidence and genuine partnership with women and families.”
“The UN is both using AI to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and working to ensure it is safe, equitable and inclusive.”
From French équitable, from Old French, from equité (“equity”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.