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Equivalent: Definition, Common Uses & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：equal in amount or value (equivalent)
equivalent
/ɪˈkwɪvələnt/
adj.
Being exactly the same in amount, value, or importance as something else.
equal in amount or value
➕
/ˈiːkwəl ɪn əˈmaʊnt ɔːr ˈvæljuː/
adj.
Describes two or more things that are completely the same when measured, valued, or considered in importance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'aequus' (equal) + 'valere' (to be worth, to be strong).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: Equal Value LENT. If two things have EQUAL VALUE, they are equivalent.
📖 Example
The price of this coffee is equivalent to three cups of tea at the café next door.
The price of this coffee is equal to the price of three cups of tea from the neighboring café.
🔗 Collocations
equivalent to – having the same value, amount, or effect as something else
equivalent amount – an identical quantity or sum
moral equivalent – a situation or action considered to have the same ethical weight or consequence
🔄 Synonyms
equal (adj.) – identical in value, quantity, or measure.
comparable (adj.) – similar in nature, quality, or degree, allowing for fair comparison.
tantamount (adj.) – equivalent in seriousness or effect (often used for abstract concepts like an action being tantamount to a crime).
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
equivalence (n.) – the state or condition of being equivalent.
equivalency (n.) – another term for equivalence.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English via French in the 15th century. It's a cornerstone in mathematics (equivalent fractions, equations) and science (chemical equivalents), reflecting the Renaissance's emphasis on measurement, balance, and proportional reasoning.
Meaning 2：serving the same function (equivalent)
equivalent
/ɪˈkwɪvələnt/
adj.
Having the same function, effect, or meaning as something else, even if they look different.
serving the same function
➕
/ˈsɜːrvɪŋ ðə seɪm ˈfʌŋkʃən/
adj.
Describes things that perform the same role, achieve the same result, or hold the same meaning, despite having a different form, composition, or appearance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
For this remote control, a AAA battery is equivalent to two smaller LR03 batteries connected together.
In this remote control, a single AAA battery performs the same function as two connected LR03 batteries.
🔗 Collocations
functional equivalent – something that serves the same practical purpose as another
dose equivalent – in medicine, a dose that produces a similar biological effect
digital equivalent – a digital version or tool that replaces a traditional analog one
🔄 Synonyms
analogous (adj.) – comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes explanation clearer.
corresponding (adj.) – having a similar relationship or function; matching.
interchangeable (adj.) – capable of being used in place of each other.
🚫 Antonyms
dissimilar (adj.) – not alike; different.
incompatible (adj.) – incapable of being used together or substituted for one another.
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