Equate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when asserting two things are the same in value or meaning, often in a logical or mathematical sense.

• People often equate success with happiness
• In mathematics, we equate two sides of an equation

Used when making things equal, often in terms of quantity, size, or proportion. This can refer to an active effort to bring equality.

• The government is working to equalize educational opportunities for all students
• The referees tried to equalize the competition by adjusting the rules

Used to describe items or elements that are the same or very similar in appearance, value, or quality. It also applies to finding two compatible items.

• She matched her shoes with her dress perfectly
• They needed to match the paint color exactly to the original wall

Used when referring to the state of different elements being in the correct proportions or giving each element equal importance.

• She tries to balance her time between work and family
• The chef carefully balanced the flavors in the dish

Used to describe a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things, highlighting how one thing changes with another.

• Studies show that physical activity strongly correlates with improved mental health
• There's a clear correlation between smoking and lung cancer