WordGarden.ioequate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪkwˈeɪt/
US
- /ɪˈkweɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to treat or describe two things as equal or equivalent
to set mathematical expressions as equal
Beyond the definition
To equate something means to think of it as the same as, or equal to, something else. It is like saying "A is B." We often connect money with happiness, believing that having more wealth will automatically bring us joy. But that is not always true.
It can also be used in math to show that two things are equal. A simple equation shows that equals 4. Be careful, though: treating two things as the same does not always mean they truly are the same. It often just means someone is linking them in thought or argument. For example, someone might equate success with hard work, believing that effort guarantees a good result.
The word "equate" moves between clear, exact meaning and personal opinion. At its core, it means to treat two things as equal or as having the same value, meaning, or effect. This can happen in different ways.
Most commonly, we use "equate" when making comparisons or connections in thought. For example, "She equates cleanliness with morality" means she believes clean spaces reflect good character. This is not necessarily an objective truth; it is simply her way of seeing the world. Making this kind of connection can help people explain ideas quickly, but the comparison may be incomplete or unfair.
In math, "equate" means to show that two expressions are equal, usually with an equals sign (). For example, the equation sets the expression on the left equal to the number 10. Here, the relationship is exact and can be proved.
The word can also suggest matching one thing with another in value or effect rather than in every detail. For example, a person may equate being busy with being productive, even though the two are not always the same. In this wider sense, the word often points to a belief, assumption, or way of thinking.
Context matters. When people casually equate one thing with another, they may create oversimplified ideas or misunderstandings. So whether you are solving an equation or expressing an opinion, "equate" usually suggests a deliberate act of treating two things as equal, even when that equality may be open to question.
Examples
- 1
Success measure
Many people equate success with a high salary.
- 2
Work habits
He equated being busy with being productive.
- 3
Communication
Don't equate silence with agreement.
- 4
Strong comparison
In her speech, she equated online bullying to real-world harm.
- Patternequate X to Y
also possible, especially for a strong comparison
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Company reputation
For years, the company was equated with reliable service.
- 6
Judgment
We shouldn't equate confidence with competence.
See also
Similar
- identify
- treat as equivalent
- regard as equal
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- equate x with y
- equate success with money
- not to be equated with
Word family
- equation
- equatable
Explore
- equivalence
- false equivalence
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- equateverb
Forms
- equatesverb
- equatedpast tenseverb
- equating-ing formverb