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Equate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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equate

[ɪˈkweɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

To consider or treat as equal; to make equal in quantity, value, or status.

Synonyms

balance, correlate, equalize, match.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equate

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
equalize

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
match

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
balance

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
correlate

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

Examples of usage

  • Equate the two sides of the equation to solve for x.
  • In this problem, we need to equate the variables before we can proceed.
  • The goal is to equate the total costs of the project with the available budget.
  • We can equate the two expressions by factoring out a common term.
  • By equating the two functions, we can find the intersection points.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, equating is a fundamental concept, used in equations to show that two expressions have the same value.
  • The equal sign '=' is crucial in math; it signifies that the values on either side are the same.
  • Equations are used not just for numbers but also in algebra and calculus to solve problems effectively.

Cognitive Science

  • Equating helps our brains categorize and make sense of information by finding similarities and differences.
  • Studies show that equating concepts can lead to better problem-solving skills by enhancing our ability to transfer knowledge.
  • This cognitive process allows for analogies between known and unknown, aiding learning and memory.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures may equate success with various factors like wealth, happiness, or personal fulfillment.
  • In discussions about identity, people often equate cultural background with value systems and worldviews.
  • The concept of equality varies globally, impacting social norms, laws, and interpersonal relationships.

Literature

  • In literature, authors often equate characters or themes to illustrate deeper meanings, such as good vs. evil.
  • Equating experiences with different characters often helps readers relate to stories on a personal level.
  • Poets may use equate in metaphors to convey complex emotions, allowing for richer interpretations of their works.

Origin of 'equate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the Latin 'aequare', which means 'to make equal'.
  • It entered English in the late 14th century, showing how long humans have been comparing things.
  • The prefix 'e-' in 'equate' means 'out' while 'qua' means 'as', indicating the concept of making things equal in value.

The word 'equate' comes from the Latin word 'aequatus', which means 'made equal'. The concept of equating quantities or values has been fundamental in mathematics and logic for centuries. The use of 'equate' in English dates back to the 15th century, where it was used in the context of making things equal or equivalent.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,409, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.