equivalent

equivalent — adjective

1. matching another thing in degree, worth, meaning, or effect — so the two can be

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

matching another thing in degree, worth, meaning, or effect — so the two can be seen as the same for a particular purpose.

Example

Ryo's experience as a team leader is equivalent to three years of professional management training.

collocation: equivalent to [noun phrase]

In this recipe, one cup of milk is equivalent to two hundred and fifty millilitres of water.

collocation: be equivalent to [measurement]

Common collocations
  • equivalent to
  • roughly equivalent
  • broadly equivalent
  • directly equivalent
  • equivalent amount
  • equivalent value
Synonyms
  • equal

    stronger — means exactly the same in size, number, or value, not just comparable in effect

  • comparable

    softer — means similar enough to make a comparison, not necessarily matching

  • corresponding

    used when things match in position, function, or timing across two systems

  • parallel

    suggests two things develop alongside each other in similar ways

Antonyms
  • different

    general opposite; not matching in any meaningful way

  • unequal

    specifically mismatched in amount, value, or level

Grammar Patterns

be + equivalent + to + noun phrase

Usage Note

Typically used with the preposition 'to' — 'X is equivalent to Y'. Not gradable: you cannot say 'more equivalent' or 'very equivalent'. Unlike 'identical', two equivalent things may differ in form but still match in effect or value.

Common Mistakes

This job is more equivalent to that one.
This job is equivalent to that one.
'equivalent' is not gradable; avoid 'more' or 'less'.
My salary is equivalent than yours.
My salary is equivalent to yours.
use 'to', not 'than', after 'equivalent'.

equivalent — noun

Word family

  • equivalence
    nounB2
  • equivalently
    adverbC1
  • unequivalent
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

While all four describe a match between two things, their strength and focus differ. 'Equal' is the most precise — it means exactly the same in size, number, or standard ('the two teams are equal in strength'). 'Equivalent' is slightly looser: things may look different but produce the same effect or hold the same value, as in 'a cash equivalent' or 'a degree equivalent to three years of experience'. 'Comparable' is weaker still — it means similar enough to make a comparison, not a match ('comparable salaries across industries'). 'Corresponding' highlights matching positions or roles across two systems ('the corresponding button on the remote'). 'Parallel' suggests two similar developments running side by side ('parallel changes in both countries'). In everyday use, choose 'equal' for exact matches, 'equivalent' for functional matches, and 'comparable' for approximate similarity.

equal ↗comparable ↗corresponding ↗parallel

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • in terms of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin 'aequivalēns', the present participle of 'aequivalēre', which is made up of 'aequus' (meaning 'equal') and 'valēre' (meaning 'to be worth'). The word entered English in the fifteenth century as an adjective describing things that have equal worth or force. By the sixteenth century it was also being used as a noun for something that matches another thing in value or effect.