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equivalent Definition

equiva·lent (ē kwiv′ə lənt, i-)

adjective

  1. equal in quantity, value, force, meaning, etc.
  2. Chem. having the same valence
  3. Geom. equal in area, volume, etc., but not of the same shape

Etymology: ME < OFr < LL aequivalens, prp. of aequivalere, to have equal power: see equi- & value

noun

  1. an equivalent thing
  2. Chem.
    1. the quantity by weight (of a substance) that combines with 8 grams of oxygen or 1.008 grams of hydrogen
    2. the weight obtained by dividing the atomic weight by the valence

equivalent Related Forms
equiv′a·lently adverb
equivalent Synonyms

equivalent

modif.

commensurate, comparable, equal, similar; see equal. See syn. study at same.

equivalent Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • absorb: Even in this case we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2 % of the tour price.
  • approve: Registry will require an assessment which has been carried out by an appropriately qualified chartered psychologist ( or approved equivalent ).

Adjective modifier

  • full-time: The school has an EAL department of four teachers ( full-time equivalent 3.4 ).
  • least: Low ability tutors produced tutee gains at least equivalent to those produced by high ability tutors.
  • focal: Features The 3x optical zoom lens has a focal length equivalent to 38 - 114mm in 35mm format.
  • approximate: Make sure you get the exact size that you need, and not just an approximate metric/imperial equivalent.
  • whole-time: We have converted any part-time pay into the whole-time equivalent.

Modifies a noun

  • qualification: In all cases GCSE English Language at Grade C or an equivalent qualification.
  • grade: Details: GCSE or equivalent grade C in Maths.
  • amount: Credits will then be purchased through a central fund, from projects which prevent or remove an equivalent amount of emissions from the atmosphere.
  • figure: But this unequal treatment has declined since the 1980s, when equivalent figures were nearer 20 per cent.

Modifying Another Word

  • roughly: This cluster of stars is scattered over a region roughly equivalent to the apparent size of the Moon.
  • functionally: Some functionally equivalent molecules can have between 30 - 50 % of their amino acids different.

Noun used with modifier

  • cash: Turn your covers into cash, or cash equivalents, by selling to Airmail Collector.
  • carbon: Our projects also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases other than CO2, and convert these to carbon dioxide equivalents.
  • amount: Even in this case we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2 % of the tour price.

Preposition: of

  • gcses: The difference in some cases amounts to the equivalent of two top-grade GCSEs for each pupil.
  • A-level: General entry requirements Typical Offers The above, plus the equivalent of 2 A-levels at CC with no less than 2 six-unit A-levels.
  • liter: Every year we use the equivalent of 4,000 liters of oil for every person in the country and our demand for energy is increasing.
equivalent Quotes

The musical equivalent of the towers of St Pancras Station.

—Beecham, SirThomas

We best avoid wars by taking even physical action to stop small ones. Everybody knows that the United Nations isnot ina position to dothat† We must facethe fact that the United Nations is not yet the internal equivalent of ourown legal systemand rule of law.Police action must be to separate the belligerents and to prevent a resumption of hostilities.

—Eden, Sir (Robert) Anthony, 1st Earl of Avon