What is equally? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of equally

equallyadverb

/ˈiːkwəli/
Definition & pronunciation of equally

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "equally" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown with different ways to approach it:

1. The Most Common and Recommended Pronunciation:

  • ˈekwəli (American English) - This is the most frequently heard and generally accepted pronunciation.
    • ˈek - Like "eck" (as in "ecky") - Short and sharp.
    • wə - Sounds like "wuh" - A very short, unstressed vowel.
    • li - Like "lee" - A clear, short "ee" sound.

2. British English Pronunciation (a bit more complex):

  • ˈekwəli (slightly different, but very closely related) - It's similar to American, but with a subtle difference.
    • ˈek - Same as above.
    • wə - Similar to American, but can sometimes be a bit more drawn out, almost like "wuh-uh." (This is a nuance).
    • li - Same as above.

3. Breakdown of the Sounds:

  • "Equ-": This part is crucial. Don’t say “equal” like you're describing a mathematical concept. It’s a short, quick “eck” sound.
  • "-ally": This is a suffix. The "a" sounds like the "a" in "apple." The "ly" makes it a suffix, and it's pronounced clearly.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is vital. The best way to learn pronunciation is to hear how it's actually spoken.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/equally/ – This website has recordings of native speakers pronouncing the word.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce equally" on YouTube – you'll find many helpful videos.
  • Stress the First Syllable: The emphasis is strongly on the first syllable ("eck").
  • Don't Over-Pronounce the "w": It’s a very short “wuh” sound, not a full "water" sound.

Resources to Check Yourself:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Which accent are you most interested in learning (American, British, or something else)?

Usage and examples with the word equally in English

Let's break down how to use the word "equally" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that primarily means "in the same way or degree," but it can be used in a few different ways.

1. As an Adverb (Most Common Use):

  • Meaning: Used to describe that two or more things have the same quality, amount, or degree.
  • Structure: "equally + adjective/adverb" or "equally + adverb"
  • Examples:
    • "They were equally excited about the trip." (Both people felt the same level of excitement.)
    • "The two teams played equally well." (Both teams performed at the same level.)
    • "She speaks English and Spanish equally fluently." (She is just as fluent in both languages.)
    • "The classrooms are equally well-equipped." (Both classrooms have the same resources.)

2. As a Conjunction (Connecting Clauses):

  • Meaning: Used to show that two things are similar. It’s often followed by "as."
  • Structure: "equally + as + clause"
  • Examples:
    • "He is equally as talented as his brother." (He has the same level of talent as his brother.)
    • "She treated everyone equally, as she believed everyone deserved the same opportunity." (She treated people with the same fairness.)
    • "The two methods are equally as effective." (Both methods work just as well.)

3. As Part of a Set Phrase:

  • “Equally important”: This phrase means that two or more things have the same level of significance.
    • "Both education and healthcare are equally important for a healthy society."

Key Points & Nuances:

  • Synonyms: Words like "similarly," "in the same way," "just as," and "to the same extent" can often be used interchangeably with "equally," though "equally" has a slightly more formal feel.

  • Avoid Overuse: Using "equally" too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider if a simpler phrasing would be clearer.

  • Contrast with “Unequally”: The opposite of "equally" is "unequally" – meaning not in the same way or degree.

Let's test your understanding! Try to rewrite these sentences using "equally" correctly:

  1. The students worked on their projects with the same dedication.
  2. Her skills are similar to his.
  3. The two candidates presented their platforms in a similar manner.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific way of using "equally"?
  • Create a short exercise for you to practice?

Synonyms for the word equally

Practice with vocabulary equally

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. All team members are ______ responsible for the project's success, so everyone's contribution is vital.
  2. The qualitative and quantitative data are considered ______ valuable in this research; both provide critical insights.
  3. The manager tried to distribute the tasks ______ among the team, ensuring no one felt overwhelmed.
  4. It's ______ difficult to master a new language without consistent practice and immersion.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. It's important to treat all employees ______, ensuring no favoritism or discrimination. A. equally B. fairly C. impartially D. similarly

  2. The company's new policy states that benefits should be distributed ______ among all staff, regardless of their position. A. equally B. uniformly C. proportionally D. strategically

  3. Both candidates performed ______ well in the interview, making the final decision very challenging for the hiring committee. A. equally B. extremely C. consistently D. significantly

  4. The artist meticulously reproduced the ancient sculpture, making sure every detail was ______ to the original. A. exact B. identical C. similar D. close

  5. The cross-functional teams worked ______ on the complex project, sharing all responsibilities and resources. A. collaboratively B. cohesively C. jointly D. seamlessly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The two departments have the same level of importance within the company's organizational structure. (Rewrite using "equally")
  2. Both proposals presented a similar amount of risk for the investment. (Rewrite using "equally" or a related word form)
  3. Dividing the workload so everyone has the same amount ensures fairness and prevents burnout. (Rewrite, replacing "same amount" with a suitable alternative word)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. equally
  2. equally
  3. fairly
  4. extremely

Exercise 2:

  1. A. equally, B. fairly, C. impartially
  2. A. equally, B. uniformly
  3. A. equally
  4. A. exact, B. identical
  5. A. collaboratively, C. jointly

Exercise 3:

  1. The two departments are equally important within the company's organizational structure.
  2. Both proposals were equally risky for the investment.
  3. Dividing the workload evenly among everyone ensures fairness and prevents burnout.

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