Reading Theme:
Equal: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：identical in quantity or value (equal)
equal
/ˈiː.kwəl/
adj./vt.
Being the same in amount, size, level, or value.
identical in quantity or value
➕
/aɪˈden.tɪ.kəl ɪn ˈkwɒn.tə.ti ɔːr ˈvæl.juː/
adj./vt.
This describes the state of two or more things having no difference in measurable aspects such as amount, size, degree, or worth.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From the Latin word 'aequus', meaning 'level, fair, equal'. This root is shared by other words like 'equity', 'equator', and 'equation'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a seesaw that is perfectly balanced and 'level'. Both sides are at the same height, they are EQUAL. The 'equ-' prefix is the key.
📖 Example
In our recipe, equal parts of flour and sugar are needed to make the cake taste just right.
The recipe requires identical amounts of flour and sugar to achieve the perfect cake flavor.
🔗 Collocations
equal parts – identical portions or shares of different components
equal rights – the same legal and social rights for everyone
equal opportunity – a situation where everyone has the same chance for success
🔄 Synonyms
equivalent (adj.) – equal in value, amount, function, or meaning
identical (adj.) – exactly the same in every detail
uniform (adj.) – not varying; the same in all cases and at all times
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'equal' stems from the Latin 'aequus', signifying a level or fair plane. Its most profound cultural impact is found in the political and social realm, particularly in the phrase 'All men are created equal' from the United States Declaration of Independence (1776). This concept, evolving to encompass all people, became a cornerstone for modern movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and social justice worldwide.
Meaning 2：be identical to (equal)
equal
/ˈiː.kwəl/
adj./vt.
To be exactly the same as something else in number or amount.
be identical to
➕
/biː aɪˈden.tɪ.kəl tuː/
adj./vt.
This verb means to be exactly the same as something else numerically or quantitatively, often used in mathematics and comparisons.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her latest exam score equals her personal best, which makes her very proud of her hard work.
Her most recent test result matches her highest previous score, a source of pride for her effort.
🔗 Collocations
equal the record – to achieve a score or performance that matches an existing record
equal the sum of – to be numerically the same as the total resulting from an addition
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
differ from (v.) – to be not the same as something else
🌱 Derivatives
equate (v.) – to consider one thing as the same as or equivalent to another
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