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Equalize: meaning, definitions and examples

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equalize

 

[ ˈiːkwəˌlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

To make equal or uniform in some respect, to balance or adjust the values of quantities or parameters.

Synonyms

even out, level off, standardize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equalize

Used to refer to making two or more things the same in quantity, size, or status, often in a competitive or comparative context.

  • The team needed to equalize the score before the end of the game.
  • The new policy aims to equalize opportunities for all students.
standardize

Refers to making things conform to a standard or norm, often used in contexts like industry, education, or procedures.

  • The company decided to standardize its procedures across all locations.
  • The education system is trying to standardize the curriculum nationwide.
even out

Refers to making things more balanced or smooth, generally used when describing a process or a physical surface.

  • We need to even out the workload among the team members.
  • The gardener used a rake to even out the soil in the garden.
level off

Often refers to reaching a stable or steady state after a period of change or fluctuation, used in contexts like economics or physical landscapes.

  • After several weeks of rapid growth, the company's profits began to level off.
  • The pilot announced that the plane would level off at 30,000 feet.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher asked the students to equalize the equations before solving them.
  • The software automatically equalizes the audio levels for a seamless listening experience.
Context #2 | Verb

social

To provide equal opportunities or treatment to individuals regardless of their background or circumstances.

Synonyms

level the playing field, make fair.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equalize

Use 'equalize' when referring to achieving an equal state or balance in various situations, such as sports, sound levels, or social conditions.

  • The new policy aims to equalize access to education for all students.
  • They managed to equalize in the final minutes of the game.
level the playing field

Use 'level the playing field' in situations where you want to indicate making conditions fair and equal, especially in competitive contexts like business, sports, or social justice.

  • Government regulations were introduced to level the playing field for small businesses.
  • The scholarship program helps to level the playing field for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
make fair

Use 'make fair' to describe actions or changes made to ensure justice, fairness, or equality in various contexts. This phrase is more straightforward and can be used in everyday language.

  • The judge's decision was meant to make fair the outcome of the trial.
  • The teacher changed the rules to make the game fair for everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The organization aims to equalize access to education for all children.
  • The government is working to equalize pay between genders in the workplace.

Translations

Translations of the word "equalize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equalizar

🇮🇳 समान करना

🇩🇪 ausgleichen

🇮🇩 menyamakan

🇺🇦 вирівнювати

🇵🇱 wyrównać

🇯🇵 均等にする

🇫🇷 égaliser

🇪🇸 igualar

🇹🇷 eşitlemek

🇰🇷 동등하게 하다

🇸🇦 توحيد

🇨🇿 vyrovnat

🇸🇰 vyrovnať

🇨🇳 使平等

🇸🇮 izenačiti

🇮🇸 jafna

🇰🇿 теңестіру

🇬🇪 გადატანა

🇦🇿 bərabərləşdirmək

🇲🇽 igualar

Etymology

The word 'equalize' originated from the combination of the prefix 'equal-' meaning 'the same in quantity, size, degree, value, or rank' and the suffix '-ize' meaning 'to make or become'. The term first appeared in the mid-17th century and has been used in various contexts to denote the act of making things equal or balanced.

See also: egalitarian, equal, equalitarian, equality, equalization, equalizing, equally, equals, equivocal, inequal, inequality, unequal, unequaled, unequalled, unequally.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,702, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.