Equally: meaning, definitions and examples

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equally

 

[ˈiːkwəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a fair and impartial way

To do something equally means to do it without showing favoritism or bias, treating all parties or individuals the same. It implies a sense of fairness and equality in the distribution of resources, opportunities, or outcomes.

Synonyms

equitably, fairly, impartially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equally

Use when referring to two or more items or people being treated the same amount or degree.

  • The cake was divided equally among the children
fairly

General use in situations where actions or judgments are unbiased and even-handed.

  • He was treated fairly during the trial
impartially

Indicates complete neutrality, especially in contexts requiring objectivity like judging or mediating.

  • The referee must act impartially during the game
equitably

Appropriate for situations where fairness and justice are emphasized, often in terms of distribution of resources or opportunities.

  • Resources were distributed equitably to ensure all participants had a fair chance

Examples of usage

  • The teacher graded all the students' exams equally, without any preference.
  • In a healthy relationship, both partners should contribute equally to household chores.
Context #2 | Adverb

to the same degree or extent

When something is done equally, it means that it is done in a manner where all aspects or parties are given the same amount of attention, importance, or consideration.

Synonyms

equitably, evenly, uniformly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equally

Use this word when you want to emphasize that something is the same in amount, degree, or value.

  • The inheritance was divided equally among the siblings.
  • She loves both of her children equally.
evenly

This word is used when talking about something distributed in a flat, level or smooth way, often used in physical or measurable contexts.

  • The dough was rolled out evenly on the counter.
  • Paint the wall evenly to avoid streaks.
uniformly

Use this term when referring to uniform or consistent manner without variation.

  • The rules were applied uniformly across all departments.
  • The temperature was maintained uniformly throughout the experiment.
equitably

This term is used when discussing fairness and justice in the distribution of resources or opportunities.

  • The teacher ensured that the students were treated equitably in the classroom.
  • Resources were allocated equitably to address the needs of all communities.

Examples of usage

  • The team divided the tasks equally among its members to ensure everyone had an equal workload.
  • She distributed her time equally between work, family, and hobbies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'aequalis', meaning 'level' or 'uniform'.
  • The prefix 'e-' in Latin means 'out of' or 'from', indicating a state of balance.
  • It has roots in terms associated with fairness and parity, stressing that nothing is favored over another.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, the concept of equality is fundamental, often represented by the '=' symbol.
  • Equally divided quantities are crucial in fractions, ensuring fairness and balance in shares.
  • The idea also extends into algebra, where equations showcase equal relationships between two expressions.

Social Justice

  • The term is frequently used in discussions about social justice, promoting the idea that all people should have the same rights and opportunities.
  • The phrase 'equal pay for equal work' highlights the importance of fairness in wages, regardless of gender or background.
  • Equality is a cornerstone in various movements advocating for civil rights across the globe.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies often explore how perceived inequality can lead to discomfort or conflict among individuals.
  • The principle of equity in relationships suggests that people feel more satisfied when they perceive fairness in their exchanges.
  • Feeling equally valued in group settings can enhance cooperation and reduce competition.

Pop Culture

  • The concept has inspired many songs and slogans emphasizing fairness, like 'we are all equal' in social movements.
  • TV shows and movies often depict characters fighting for equality, showcasing its importance in society.
  • Various literature pieces explore themes of equality and how it impacts relationships, communities, and personal identity.

Translations

Translations of the word "equally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 igualmente

🇮🇳 समान रूप से

🇩🇪 gleichmäßig

🇮🇩 secara setara

🇺🇦 однаково

🇵🇱 równo

🇯🇵 等しく

🇫🇷 également

🇪🇸 igualmente

🇹🇷 eşit olarak

🇰🇷 동등하게

🇸🇦 بالتساوي

🇨🇿 rovně

🇸🇰 rovnako

🇨🇳 相等地

🇸🇮 enako

🇮🇸 jafnvel

🇰🇿 тең

🇬🇪 თანაბრად

🇦🇿 bərabər

🇲🇽 igualmente

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,527, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.