equivalent
Having the same value, use, meaning, or effect as something else, even if the appearance or form is different. It is frequently used to compare quantities, qualifications, or functions across different systems.
Examples
3 of 5Is a medium latte equivalent to two small ones in terms of caffeine content?
Is a medium latte equivalent to two small ones in terms of caffeine content?
The committee decided that his previous work experience was equivalent to a master's degree.
The committee decided that his previous work experience was equivalent to a master's degree.
Buying this high-end PC is basically equivalent to burning your savings.
Buying this high-end PC is basically equivalent to burning your savings.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Break it down: 'Equi-' means equal, and '-valent' comes from the same root as 'value'. It literally means 'equal value'.
Quick Quiz
The salary offered was ________ to what he was making at his previous job.
Correct!
The correct answer is: equivalent
Examples
Is a medium latte equivalent to two small ones in terms of caffeine content?
everydayIs a medium latte equivalent to two small ones in terms of caffeine content?
The committee decided that his previous work experience was equivalent to a master's degree.
formalThe committee decided that his previous work experience was equivalent to a master's degree.
Buying this high-end PC is basically equivalent to burning your savings.
informalBuying this high-end PC is basically equivalent to burning your savings.
In mathematical logic, two statements are equivalent if they are both true or both false under the same conditions.
academicIn mathematical logic, two statements are equivalent if they are both true or both false under the same conditions.
The company offers a benefits package equivalent to those provided by top-tier tech firms.
businessThe company offers a benefits package equivalent to those provided by top-tier tech firms.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the equivalent of
the equivalent of
no direct equivalent
no direct equivalent
be equivalent to
be equivalent to
Often Confused With
Equal refers to identity in size or amount, while equivalent refers to identity in value, function, or meaning.
Usage Notes
Equivalent is commonly followed by the preposition 'to'. It is very common in academic and technical writing when translating concepts between different cultures or measurement systems.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 'with' after equivalent; always use 'to' (e.g., 'equivalent to' not 'equivalent with').
Memory Tip
Break it down: 'Equi-' means equal, and '-valent' comes from the same root as 'value'. It literally means 'equal value'.
Word Origin
From the Late Latin word 'aequivalentem', meaning 'having equal power or value'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Often used in international contexts to compare educational degrees or professional certifications across different countries.
Quick Quiz
The salary offered was ________ to what he was making at his previous job.
Correct!
The correct answer is: equivalent
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free