What is equal? Pronunciation and usage in English

equal means . Learn how to pronounce and use equal through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of equal

equaladjective

/ˈiːkw(ə)l/
Definition & pronunciation of equal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "equal" in English. Here's a breakdown:

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) Pronunciation:

ˈiːkwəl

How it sounds (roughly):

  • ˈiː – Like the "ee" in "see" or "meet". This is the stressed syllable.
  • kw – Like the “qu” in “quick” and “kw” as in “square”.
  • əl – Like the “uh” in “about” or “bus.” It’s a very short, unstressed vowel sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Stress: The emphasis is clearly on the first syllable ("ee"). This is the most important thing to get right.

  2. "ee" sound: Make sure you’re saying the "ee" sound distinctly, not just a short "e" as in "bed."

  3. "kw" sound: This is a common stumbling block. Try to bring your tongue slightly back in your mouth and make a quick, sharp sound. Don’t let it slide into an "l" sound.

  4. "uh" sound: The last syllable is very short and light. It’s almost a little whisper.

Tips for Practice:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear how it's pronounced. You can find examples on:

    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce equal" and YouTube will have many audio and video clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/equal/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

  • Slow it down: Initially, say it slowly and deliberately, focusing on each sound. Gradually increase your speed as you become more confident.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "equal"?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the "kw" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word equal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "equal" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. Meaning: Same Value or Amount

This is the most common usage. "Equal" means having the same value, size, quantity, or amount.

  • Example: "The two apples are equal in size." (They're the same size.)
  • Example: "The scores were equal, resulting in a tie." (The scores were the same.)
  • Example: "He earns an equal salary to his wife." (They earn the same amount of money.)
  • Example: "The equation requires equal sides." (The left side must have the same value as the right side.)

2. Meaning: Equivalent

"Equal" can also mean "equivalent," meaning something is similar in effect or result, even if not exactly the same.

  • Example: "Exercise and a healthy diet are equal in promoting good health." (They both have similar beneficial effects.)
  • Example: "Time spent studying is equal to the time spent socializing." (Both contribute to a well-rounded life.)

3. As a Verb (Less Common)

"Equal" can also be used as a verb, meaning to make something equal or to bring things into balance. This usage is less frequent in everyday conversation.

  • Example: “The referee had to equalize the score.” (The referee had to make the score equal.)
  • Example: "The accountant had to equalize the accounts.” (The accountant had to balance the accounts.)

4. Using "Equal To"

A very common construction is "equal to." This phrase emphasizes the comparison and result of equality.

  • Example: "5 + 5 is equal to 10." (5 plus 5 is the same as 10.)
  • Example: "The amount of work is equal to the payoff." (The work is equivalent to the reward.)

5. "Equality" (The Noun Form)

Don't forget the noun form, "equality," which refers to the state of being equal, especially in rights, status, or treatment.

  • Example: "Everyone deserves equality before the law."
  • Example: “The campaign fought for equality for women.”

Tips for Using "Equal" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "equal" will depend on the context of the sentence.
  • Use "same" as a simpler alternative: Often, "same" is a perfectly good substitute for "equal." ("The apples are the same size.")
  • Consider "equivalent" for similar effects: If you want to express that things have a similar impact, "equivalent" might be more suitable.

Can you give me an example sentence you’d like me to analyze, or a specific situation where you're trying to use “equal”? I can then give you more tailored feedback.

Synonyms for the word equal

Idioms of the word equal

all/other things being equal
if the conditions stay the same; if other conditions are the same
  • All things being equal, we should finish the job tomorrow.
  • All other things being equal, the bigger fighter should win.
on equal terms (with somebody)
having the same advantages and disadvantages as somebody else
  • Can our industry compete on equal terms with its overseas rivals?
some (people, members, etc.) are more equal than others
(saying)although the members of a society, group, etc. appear to be equal, some, in fact, get better treatment than others

    Practice with vocabulary equal

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The new policy aims to ensure that all employees receive ______ pay for work of equal value.
    2. In a truly democratic society, all citizens should have ______ access to education and healthcare, regardless of their background.
    3. The two versions of the software are functionally ______, though their interfaces look slightly different.
    4. The distribution of resources must be ______ to the needs of each department, not simply divided uniformly.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. The company's goal is to provide ______ opportunities for career advancement to all staff members, regardless of gender or ethnicity. A) similar B) comparable C) equal D) uniform

    2. Achieving true gender parity means that men and women must ______ in status and opportunities within society. A) be alike B) be equivalent C) be equal D) be uniform

    3. For the experiment to be valid, all participants must be treated ______ during the study. A) fairly B) equally C) justly D) identically

    4. The two companies are ______ in size and market share, making them strong competitors. A) similar B) identical C) comparable D) uniform

    5. It is crucial to ensure that the compensation package for new hires is ______ to their qualifications and experience. A) proportional B) equivalent C) fair D) adequate

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "equal": The value of the new currency is the same as the old one.

    2. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "equal": In this competition, everyone has the same chance of winning.

    3. Rewrite the sentence without using "equal" or its forms, replacing the underlined word(s) with a suitable alternative: The two copies of the document were exactly alike.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The new policy aims to ensure that all employees receive equal pay for work of equal value.
    2. In a truly democratic society, all citizens should have equal access to education and healthcare, regardless of their background.
    3. The two versions of the software are functionally identical, though their interfaces look slightly different.
    4. The distribution of resources must be proportionate to the needs of each department, not simply divided uniformly.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. C) equal
    2. C) be equal
    3. A) fairly, B) equally, C) justly
    4. A) similar, C) comparable
    5. A) proportional, B) equivalent, C) fair, D) adequate

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The new currency's value is equal to the old one.
    2. In this competition, everyone has an equal chance of winning.
    3. The two copies of the document were identical.

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