Meaning & Definition of Equivalent in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Equal in value, amount, function, or meaning.

  Example Sentence: The two products are equivalent in quality but differ in price.

• Definition: Something that is equal to something else in quality or significance.

  Example Sentence: The Japanese yen is often considered equivalent to the US dollar.

• Definition: A person or thing that is equal to another in some way.

  Example Sentence: In many cultures, education is seen as an equivalent to financial success.

• Definition: An expression or a term that has the same value in mathematics or logic.

  Example Sentence: In algebra, x + 2 is equivalent to 5 when x equals 3.

• Definition: In chemistry, having the same valence or capacity.

  Example Sentence: Potassium and sodium are often considered equivalents in ionic solutions.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'aequivalens', from 'aequus' (equal) + 'valens' (having worth or value).

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• equivalent exchange: The idea that for something to be gained, something of equal value must be lost.
• equivalently: In an equivalent manner; in a way that is equal in value or meaning.
• the equivalent of: Referring to something that has the same significance or value as something else.

Translations

• Spanish: equivalente

• French: équivalent

• German: entsprechend

• Russian: эквивалент

Related Words

• equivalence: The state of being equivalent, or having equal value.

• equivalency: The quality of being equivalent, especially in terms of functionality or value.

• equal: Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.

Slang Meanings of equivalent

• Meaning: The same thing but different.

  Example Sentence: That fancy coffee shop is just the equivalent of Starbucks.

• Meaning: Like two peas in a pod.

  Example Sentence: Those twins are basically equivalent; you can’t tell them apart.