Equivalence: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'aequivalentem', meaning 'equal in value', combining 'aequus' (equal) and 'valent' (having strength).
• The modern use of 'equivalence' began in the late 14th century, relating to balance and equality.

Mathematics

• In mathematics, equivalence relations help define when two items are considered the same based on specific rules.
• Equivalence classes group items that share a common property, aiding in simplifying complex problems.
• In geometry, not all triangles are equivalent; they must have specific angles and sides that match.

Philosophy

• Philosophers often discuss equivalence in terms of moral values, suggesting that different actions can lead to the same ethical outcome.
• In logic, two statements are considered equivalent when they yield the same truth value, exemplifying the idea of logical equivalence.

Science

• In chemistry, equivalent weight refers to the mass of a substance that will combine with or displace one mole of hydrogen atoms.
• The concept of energy equivalence, famously articulated by Einstein's equation E=mc², shows that mass and energy can be interchangeable.

Cultural Studies

• In social sciences, equivalence can be discussed in terms of cultural relativism, where different cultures may have equivalent values but express them differently.
• The notion of gender equivalence in feminist theory argues for equal rights and responsibilities across genders.

Ranked #10,262, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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