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Equalize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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equalize

[ˈiːkwəˌlaɪz ]

Definitions

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, to equalize often means to adjust figures so that they balance out in calculations or equations.
  • Equalization can also refer to setting two or more variables to a common value to simplify a problem.
  • In statistics, equalization may address outliers to provide a more accurate representation of data.

Social Justice

  • Efforts to equalize opportunities in education aim to provide all students with the same resources and support.
  • Equalizing income distribution is a major topic in debates about wealth inequality and social policies.
  • Organizations often work to equalize treatment rights for marginalized communities, ensuring fair treatment under the law.

Technology

  • In audio engineering, equalization adjusts the balance between frequency components, enhancing sound quality.
  • Video equalization techniques can improve clarity and reduce distortion in transmitted visual signals.
  • Networking often involves equalizing data traffic to ensure fair access and bandwidth distribution among users.

Sports

  • In team sports, coaches may equalize playtime among players to ensure everyone gets a fair chance to participate.
  • Equalizing a score in competitive games often adds excitement, requiring teams to adjust their strategies.
  • Various sports organizations work to equalize conditions for athletes of different genders and backgrounds.

Origin of 'equalize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'equalize' comes from the Latin word 'aequalis,' meaning 'equal' or 'level.'
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, originally used in contexts related to physics and measurement.
  • It combines the base word 'equal' with the suffix '-ize,' which means to make or to cause.

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.