Equity: meaning, definitions and examples

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equity

 

[ ˈɛkwɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

finance

The value of a company's shares or of a property after all debts have been paid; the value of a business after all debts have been subtracted from its assets.

Synonyms

capital, ownership, share.

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Word Description / Examples
equity

Used when talking about fairness and value in business or finance. Often refers to the ownership value in a company or property after debts are paid off.

  • The equity in her home has increased significantly over the years.
  • He has a 20% equity stake in the company.
ownership

Used in a general context to describe having legal rights or control over an asset, property, or business.

  • She took full ownership of the business after her partner retired.
  • Ownership of the car switched to him after the sale.
share

Usually used in a business or investment context to refer to units of ownership in a company. Can also be used more generally to imply a divided part of something.

  • He bought 50 shares of the company’s stock.
  • Each of them received an equal share of the profits.
capital

Typically used in a financial context to refer to the money or assets that a person or organization can use for investing or starting a business.

  • They needed more capital to launch the new product line.
  • The startup raised significant capital in its first funding round.

Examples of usage

  • Shareholders are concerned about the equity of the company.
  • The equity of the property has increased over the years.
Context #2 | Noun

law

The quality of being fair and impartial; fairness.

Synonyms

fairness, impartiality, justice.

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Word Description / Examples
equity

This term is often used in legal, financial, and social contexts to refer to fairness and justice, especially when considering the distribution of resources or treatment of people. It emphasizes that everyone gets what they need to succeed.

  • Social organizations work towards achieving equity in education.
  • We need to ensure equity in the distribution of healthcare services.
fairness

Suitable for everyday conversation to express the idea of being fair, honest, and free from bias. It's a general term that can be applied in many situations, from personal interactions to formal settings.

  • The referee's fairness was questioned by the fans.
  • We need to ensure fairness in the hiring process.
impartiality

This word is mainly used when referring to a lack of bias or favoritism. It's often heard in legal and formal discussions to stress objective judgment.

  • Journalists must maintain impartiality in their reporting.
  • The judge's impartiality is crucial for a fair trial.
justice

Justice is used when addressing the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, law, and fairness. It's a broader term often associated with the legal system and societal values.

  • They demanded justice for the victims of the crime.
  • The concept of justice varies between different cultures.

Examples of usage

  • The judge ruled with equity in mind.
  • It's important to seek equity in all legal matters.
Context #3 | Noun

education

The quality of being fair and impartial in the distribution of resources and opportunities.

Synonyms

equality, fairness, impartiality.

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Word Description / Examples
equity

Used when talking about fairness and justice, especially in a legal or financial context, ensuring everyone gets what they need to succeed.

  • The new regulations are designed to promote equity in the workplace.
  • Equity in education ensures that all students have access to the resources they need.
fairness

Used in everyday situations to describe actions and decisions that are just and free from bias.

  • She was known for her fairness in dealing with difficult situations.
  • The game's outcome depended on the fairness of the referee.
equality

Refers to treating everyone the same regardless of their differences, often used in social and legal contexts.

  • The law guarantees equality for all citizens.
  • They promote equality through their programs aimed at reducing discrimination.
impartiality

Refers to an unbiased and objective approach, often used in legal, journalistic, or administrative contexts.

  • The judge must maintain impartiality throughout the trial.
  • The report was praised for its impartiality and thoroughness.

Examples of usage

  • Equity in education is a key goal for many policymakers.
  • The school strives for equity among all its students.

Translations

Translations of the word "equity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equidade

🇮🇳 न्याय

🇩🇪 Eigenkapital

🇮🇩 keadilan

🇺🇦 справедливість

🇵🇱 kapitał

🇯🇵 公平

🇫🇷 équité

🇪🇸 equidad

🇹🇷 eşitlik

🇰🇷 형평성

🇸🇦 عدالة

🇨🇿 spravedlnost

🇸🇰 spravodlivosť

🇨🇳 公平

🇸🇮 pravičnost

🇮🇸 jafnrétti

🇰🇿 әділеттілік

🇬🇪 სამართლიანობა

🇦🇿 ədalət

🇲🇽 equidad

Etymology

The word 'equity' originated from the Latin word 'aequitas', meaning fairness or justice. It has been used in various contexts such as finance, law, and education to denote the concepts of fairness, impartiality, and ownership. The notion of equity has played a significant role in shaping legal systems and economic practices.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,662, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.