equal

adjective8

1. •
   no more and no less than something else in amount, size, value or some other way
2. •
   The same in value (status, merit, etc): having or deserving the same rights or treatment.

   • We hold that all men are created equal and are thus equal under the law.
3. •
   The same in all respects that matter practically; interchangeable, fungible, or (even sometimes) identical for practical purposes.

   • Equal conditions should produce equal results.
   • All else being equal, we can expect this factor to have no discernible effect by itself.
4. •
   Exactly identical, having the same value.

   • All right angles are equal.
5. •
   Adequate; sufficiently capable or qualified.

   • This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.
6. •
   Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; not mixed.
7. •
   (no longer used) Fair, impartial.

   • Are not my ways equal? — 1611
8. •
   (no longer used) Not variable; equable; uniform; even.

verb4

1. •
   To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.

   • Two plus two equals four.
2. •
   To make equivalent to; to cause to match.

   • David equaled the water levels of the bottles, so they now both contain exactly 1 liter.
3. •
   To match in degree or some other quality, to match up to.

   • And what delights can equal those ⁠That stir the spirit’s inner deeps, ⁠When one that loves but knows not, reaps A truth from one that loves and knows? — 1850
4. •
   To have as consequence, to amount to, to mean.

   • Losing this deal equals losing your job.
   • Might does not equal right.

noun2

1. •
   A person or thing of equal status to others.

   • We're all equals here.
   • This beer has no equal.
2. •
   (no longer used) State of being equal; equality.

   • Thou that presum'st to weigh the world anew, And all things to an equall to restore. — 1596

noun1

1. •
   Abbreviation of equality.