Definition of "equal" in English

adjective

1. (not comparable) The same in one or more respects.

   • Near-synonyms: equivalent; see also Thesaurus:equal

2. (obsolete) Fair, impartial.

3. (comparable) Adequate; sufficiently capable or qualified.

   • This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.

4. (obsolete) Not variable; equable; uniform; even.

   • an equal movement

5. (music) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; not mixed.

verb

1. (mathematics, copulative) To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.

   • Two plus two equals four.

2. (transitive) To make equivalent to; to cause to match.

   • David equaled the water levels of the bottles, so they now both contain exactly 1 liter.

3. (transitive) To match in degree or some other quality, to match up to.

4. (copulative, informal) To have as consequence, to amount to, to mean.

   • Losing this deal equals losing your job.
   • Might does not equal right.

noun

1. A person or thing of equal status to others.

   • We're all equals here.
   • This beer has no equal.

2. (obsolete) State of being equal; equality.