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equity

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The definition of equity is fairness, or the value of stock shares in a company, or the value of a piece of property minus any amount owed to the bank.

(noun)

When two people are treated the same and paid the same for doing the same job, this is an example of equity.
When you own 100 shares of stock in a company, this is an example of having equity in the company.
When your house is worth $100,000 and you owe the bank $80,000, this is an example of having $20,000 in equity.

See equity in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. equities

fairness; impartiality; justice
anything that is fair or equitable
☆ the value of property beyond the total amount owed on it in mortgages, liens, etc.
Accounting, Finance
1. assets minus liabilities; net worth; capital
2. that portion of a company's net worth belonging to its owners or shareholders: shareholders' equity
3. shares of stock: bonds and equities
Law
1. resort to general principles of fairness and justice whenever existing law is inadequate
2. a system of rules and doctrines, as in the U.S., supplementing common and statute law and superseding such law when it proves inadequate for just settlement
3. a right or claim recognized in a court of equity
4. equity of redemption

Origin: ME equite < OFr équité < L aequitas, equality < aequus: see equal

adjective

of or relating to stocks, stock markets, etc.: equity financing

See equity in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. eq·ui·ties

The state, quality, or ideal of being just, impartial, and fair.
Something that is just, impartial, and fair.
Law
a. Justice applied in circumstances covered by law yet influenced by principles of ethics and fairness.
b. A system of jurisprudence supplementing and serving to modify the rigor of common law.
c. An equitable right or claim.
d. Equity of redemption.
The residual value of a business or property beyond any mortgage thereon and liability therein.
a. The market value of securities less any debt incurred.
b. Common stock and preferred stock.
Funds provided to a business by the sale of stock.