# equivalence

/ɪˈkwɪvəɫəns/ (US) · /ɪkwˈɪvələns/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/equivalence
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the state of being equal in value, amount, or meaning. You use this when two different things have the same effect or importance.

For teachers: the state of being equal or interchangeable in value, function, or significance. Often used in technical contexts to describe a relationship where two entities satisfy the same requirements.

## Examples

- There is no equivalence between the two different currencies.
- The legal team argued for the equivalence of the two contracts despite their different wording.
- In formal logic, a logical equivalence exists when two statements consistently share the same truth value across all possible scenarios, regardless of their internal structure.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general state of being equal; countable when referring to specific instances or types of equal relationships.

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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.