Equal Meaning

UK /ˈiːkwəl/
US /ˈikwəl/
Word Definition
equal meaning

Equal Definition & Usage

adjective

Having the same value, amount, or status as something else; not differing.

Examples

  • "The two teams were equal in skill, making the game incredibly exciting."
  • "Everyone should be treated as equal under the law."
  • "They split the bill equally, so no one paid more than the other."
  • "The two candidates are equal in experience, but one has more enthusiasm."
  • "In an equal society, opportunities should be available to all individuals."
verb

To make something the same in amount, status, or value as something else.

Examples

  • "We need to equal the playing field so both sides have a fair chance."
  • "Her contribution to the project equaled that of the most experienced member."
  • "The new policy aims to equalize the differences in wages across departments."
  • "He worked hard to equal the success of his older brother."
  • "The new technology has equalized opportunities in many industries."

Cultural Context

The concept of equality has been central to many historical and social movements, including the fight for civil rights, gender equality, and economic fairness. It is a principle enshrined in many legal systems, reflecting the desire to create fair and balanced societies.

The Equal Divide

Story

The Equal Divide

In a small town nestled by a river, there was a yearly event that everyone eagerly awaited: the Great River Race. The town's two best competitors, Anna and Ben, had always been at odds, with each year’s race stirring up competition that seemed to never end. They were both passionate, skilled, and fiercely determined. But what really caught the town’s attention that year was the idea that the race might be 'equal'. Anna had always been known for her precision and speed, while Ben was known for his raw strength and resilience. For years, the race had been one-sided, with Anna winning the majority of the time. But this year, something was different. The town had decided to make the course more equal — longer in some parts and shorter in others, so that no one had an advantage. The goal was to 'equalize' the playing field, giving both competitors the same chance to win. On the day of the race, the excitement was palpable. The two competitors lined up at the starting line, both ready to prove that they could come out on top. As they raced through the course, they realized that the changes made it harder than they anticipated. Anna struggled with the longer stretches, while Ben had to pace himself on the steeper inclines. For the first time, they were not simply competing against each other, but against the course itself, which had been 'equalized' to challenge both their strengths. As they approached the final stretch, both Anna and Ben were neck and neck. They were tired, their muscles sore, but neither was willing to give up. The crowd cheered them on, knowing that this race was more than just a competition; it was a symbol of the community’s desire for fairness and balance. When they crossed the finish line together, the crowd erupted in applause, not just for the race, but for the message it sent: that everyone, no matter their strengths or weaknesses, deserved an equal shot at success. The two competitors shook hands, knowing that the true victory was in the fairness of the race itself. In the end, it wasn’t just the race that was equal, but the spirit of the community. They had managed to create something that no one had ever experienced before: a fair, balanced, and equal competition that was enjoyed by all.

The Equal Divide