Meaning & Definition of word "Tantamount"
Tantamount
/ˈtæntəmaʊnt/
adjective:
- 1. Equivalent in value, significance, or effect.
- Example: His refusal to participate was tantamount to an admission of guilt.
- 2. Having the same meaning as.
- Example: For practical purposes, the two phrases are tantamount.
- 3. Being virtually the same as.
- Example: To deny the benefits of education is tantamount to denying future opportunities.
- 4. Equal in effect or importance.
- Example: The changes to the policy were tantamount to a complete overhaul of the system.
Etymology
●From Latin 'tantus' meaning 'so great' and 'amount' referring to the quantity.
Common Phrases and Expressions
tantamount to betrayal:
As serious as betrayal.
tantamount to a crime:
As serious as committing a crime.
tantamount to nothing:
Having no value or significance.
Related Words
equivalence:
The condition of being equivalent.
parity:
The state or condition of being equal.
similarity:
The quality of being alike or resembling.
Slang Meanings of tantamount
Meaning: Basically the same thing.
● Example Sentence: His excuse was tantamount, it was basically the same as saying 'I didn't do it.'
Meaning: Just as bad.
● Example Sentence: Ignoring the issue is tantamount to letting it go.