Equivalency: meaning, definitions and examples

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equivalency

 

[ ɪˌkwɪvələnsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The state or condition of being equal in value, measure, significance, or effect.

Synonyms

equality, equivalence, parity, sameness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equivalency

Used to express that two things have the same value, amount, function, meaning, etc. Typically appears in academic, professional, or technical discussions.

  • The equivalency of the two degrees was confirmed by the accreditation committee.
  • We need to establish the grade equivalency between the different education systems.
equality

Employed to emphasize fairness and equal treatment in social, political, and economic contexts. Often used in discussions about human rights and social justice.

  • The movement aimed to achieve gender equality in the workplace.
  • They fought for racial equality throughout the country.
sameness

Implies that two or more things are exactly the same in every aspect. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation when referring to a lack of variety or distinctiveness.

  • The sameness of the daily routine can be quite dull.
  • There is a striking sameness in their arguments.
parity

Often used in economics and finance to talk about equal status, level, or value. Also common in discussions about pay equity.

  • The company aims to achieve wage parity for all its employees.
  • Currency parity can affect international trade.
equivalence

Primarily used in logical, mathematical, or philosophical contexts to indicate that two statements, propositions, or expressions have the same meaning or value.

  • In logic, this symbol is used to denote equivalence between two statements.
  • The concept of moral equivalence is debated in philosophy.

Examples of usage

  • There is a need to establish equivalency between the two equations.
  • The teacher explained the concept of equivalency in algebra.
Context #2 | Noun

education

The recognition that a qualification has the same value as another, usually from a different country or institution.

Synonyms

acknowledgment, confirmation, recognition, validation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equivalency

Use this word when referring to a situation where two things are equal in terms of value, function, meaning, etc.

  • The university evaluates the equivalency of foreign degrees.
  • There is no equivalency between these two job offers.
recognition

This word is best used when you want to indicate appreciation or acclaim for someone's efforts or achievements.

  • She received recognition for her contributions to the project.
  • The hero was given recognition in a ceremony.
validation

This word is commonly used in scenarios where verifying the legitimacy or accuracy of something is needed. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if overused in a personal context.

  • The software requires validation to ensure it works correctly.
  • He sought validation for his feelings from his friends.
acknowledgment

This word is appropriate when you want to accept or admit the existence or truth of something.

  • The team's hard work received acknowledgment from the management.
  • He nodded in acknowledgment of her statement.
confirmation

Opt for this word when you need to verify that something is true or to firm up plans or agreements.

  • Please send me a confirmation of the meeting time.
  • We need confirmation that the payment has been received.

Examples of usage

  • The equivalency of the foreign degree was confirmed by the university.
  • She needed to provide proof of equivalency for her professional certification.
Context #3 | Noun

chemistry

A relationship between substances that have the same chemical or biological effect.

Synonyms

correspondence, equivalence, parity, similarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equivalency

This word is often used in formal contexts, especially in academic or official scenarios, to indicate that different items or qualifications are considered equal in value or function.

  • A master's degree has an equivalency to five years of work experience.
  • The board recognized the equivalency of the two different certifications.
similarity

Use this word to indicate that two or more things share common characteristics or resemble each other. It is less strict than equivalence and is often used in everyday conversation.

  • There is a striking similarity between the two paintings.
  • Their ideas have a lot of similarities, even though they come from different backgrounds.
correspondence

This word is used to indicate similarity or connection between things, particularly when comparing details or making abstract connections.

  • There is a correspondence between the increase in temperature and the rise in sea levels.
  • The shapes showed a perfect correspondence to the original design.
equivalence

This term is often used in mathematics, logic, and technical fields to express that two quantities or concepts are equal or interchangeable in value or function.

  • In logic, equivalence means that two statements are either both true or both false.
  • The currency exchange rates are calculated based on their equivalence.
parity

Parity is used to describe equality, especially in terms of status, pay, or conditions. It is often used in discussions about social issues or economics.

  • The company aims to achieve pay parity across all its departments.
  • There is still much work to be done to ensure gender parity in leadership roles.

Examples of usage

  • The equivalency of the two drugs was demonstrated in the clinical trials.
  • The study aimed to determine the equivalency of the organic compounds.

Translations

Translations of the word "equivalency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equivalência

🇮🇳 समानता

🇩🇪 Äquivalenz

🇮🇩 kesetaraan

🇺🇦 еквівалентність

🇵🇱 ekwiwalencja

🇯🇵 同等

🇫🇷 équivalence

🇪🇸 equivalencia

🇹🇷 eşdeğerlik

🇰🇷 등가

🇸🇦 معادلة

🇨🇿 ekvivalence

🇸🇰 ekvivalencia

🇨🇳 等价性

🇸🇮 ekvivalenca

🇮🇸 jafngildi

🇰🇿 эквиваленттілік

🇬🇪 ეკვივალენტობა

🇦🇿 ekvivalentlik

🇲🇽 equivalencia

Etymology

The word 'equivalency' originates from the Latin word 'aequivalentia', which means 'equality in value'. The concept of equivalency has been fundamental in various fields such as mathematics, education, and chemistry, where the notion of equality and similarity plays a crucial role in understanding relationships and comparisons.

See also: equivalence, equivalently.