ENGLISH
REFERENCE

equivalent

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɪˈkwɪvəɫənt// UK //ɪkwˈɪvələnt// equiv·a·lent Academic General-service

n. something that has the same value, purpose, or meaning as something else. You use it to compare two things that are different but equal in importance.

n. a person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, or meaning.


SIMPLE

The price is the equivalent of two weeks' salary.

CONTEXTUAL

In many countries, the local high school diploma is considered the equivalent of the British A-level qualification.

COMPLEX

While the two chemical compounds are not identical, they function as functional equivalents in this specific reaction, producing the same end product without altering the safety profile.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin aequivalentem, accusative singular of aequivalēns, present active participle of aequivaleō (“I am equivalent, have equal power”). By surface analysis, equi- + -valent. Mostly displaced native Middle English efenmete (See evenmete).

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the thing being compared.

Pitfall

the equivalent withthe equivalent ofWhen used as a noun, it typically takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'with' or 'to'.

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