Tantamount: meaning, definitions and examples
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tantamount
[ˈtæn.tə.maʊnt ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin phrase 'tantamount', meaning 'amounting to the same thing'.
- It has been in use since the 16th century, originally to describe amounts in numbers or value.
- The prefix 'tan' relates to 'tantus', meaning 'so great' or 'so much' in Latin.
Law
- In legal contexts, a statement that is tantamount to an admission can have significant consequences.
- Courts often assess if actions are tantamount to a breach of contract, triggering penalties.
- The concept plays a crucial role in cases involving implied consent, where a non-verbal agreement is tantamount to a verbal one.
Education
- In education, a change in policy might be tantamount to a complete overhaul of the curriculum.
- Teachers may identify behavior that is tantamount to disrespect, affecting classroom dynamics.
- Understanding equivalence in math can be tantamount to achieving higher-level problem-solving skills.
Finance
- In finance, two different investments might be considered tantamount if they yield similar returns.
- Borrowing from different platforms offering equal terms can be tantamount to making the same financial decision.
- Tax implications of certain benefits can be tantamount to receiving a higher salary.
Popular Culture
- In film reviews, saying one movie is tantamount to another often suggests similarities in themes or plots.
- Social media discussions frequently use the term to compare popular opinions or trends.
- Musicians might create songs that are tantamount to previous hits as a homage or influence.
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