Equivalence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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equivalence
[ɪˈkwɪvələns ]
Definitions
mathematics
The state of being equal in value, function, meaning, etc.
Synonyms
equality, sameness, similarity.
Examples of usage
- Finding the equivalence between two mathematical expressions is crucial in solving the problem.
- In mathematics, equivalence is used to show that two quantities are equal.
logic
A logical relationship between two propositions that have the same truth value in all interpretations.
Synonyms
correspondence, equivalency, parity.
Examples of usage
- The equivalence of the two statements can be proven using a truth table.
- In logic, equivalence is a fundamental concept in assessing the validity of arguments.
language
The quality of being interchangeable or having equal value in a language.
Synonyms
correspondence, equivalency, parity.
Examples of usage
- Language equivalence is essential for effective communication.
- In translation, maintaining equivalence between languages is a challenging task.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'equivalence'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'equivalence' originated from the Latin word 'aequivalentia', which means 'equivalent'. The concept of equivalence has been fundamental in various fields such as mathematics, logic, and language, dating back to ancient times. Throughout history, scholars and thinkers have explored the idea of equivalence in different contexts, shaping our understanding of equality and similarity.
See also: equivalency, equivalently.