Tantamount: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

tantamount

 

[ ˈtæn.tə.maʊnt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

equal value

The term 'tantamount' refers to something that is equivalent in value, significance, or effect. It suggests that one thing is as good as another or carries the same weight. This word is often used in legal and formal contexts to emphasize the similarity or equal importance between two different entities, actions, or situations. For example, if one act is tantamount to another, it means that it results in the same outcome or consequence.

Synonyms

comparable, equal, equivalent, identical, similar

Examples of usage

  • His silence was tantamount to an admission of guilt.
  • To refuse to vote is tantamount to supporting the status quo.
  • Her actions were tantamount to betrayal.

Translations

Translations of the word "tantamount" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equivalente

🇮🇳 समान

🇩🇪 entsprechend

🇮🇩 setara

🇺🇦 еквівалентний

🇵🇱 równoważny

🇯🇵 同等の

🇫🇷 équivalent

🇪🇸 equivalente

🇹🇷 eşdeğer

🇰🇷 동등한

🇸🇦 مساوي

🇨🇿 rovnocenný

🇸🇰 rovnocenný

🇨🇳 同等的

🇸🇮 enak vreden

🇮🇸 sama

🇰🇿 тең

🇬🇪 სწორად

🇦🇿 bərabər

🇲🇽 equivalente

Word origin

The word 'tantamount' originates from the late Middle English term 'tantamount' or 'tant amander', which means 'to amount to the same'. It is derived from the Old French phrase 'tant amont', meaning 'so much up', used in a legal context to denote similarity and equality. The phrase combined the Old French word 'tant', meaning 'so much' or 'as much', and 'amont', which means 'up' or 'above.' Over time, 'tantamount' was adopted into the English language and evolved into a more general term used to convey equivalence in various contexts, including legal, social, and academic discussions. The term highlights the importance of recognizing the equal impact or significance of different actions or statements.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,838, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.