Equally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'equally'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The adverb 'equally' originated from the Middle English word 'equallych', which was derived from the Old French word 'egale', ultimately from the Latin word 'aequalis'. The concept of equality and fairness has been a fundamental value in various societies throughout history, leading to the development and usage of the term 'equally' in modern English.


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

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.