equivalently
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪkwˈɪvələntlɪ/
US
- /ɪkwˈɪvələntli/
Description
- in the same way
- with the same meaning
- with the same result
- as another way of saying it
"Equivalently" means in a way that has the same meaning, value, or result as something already stated. It is often used when someone wants to show that two expressions, two methods, or two ideas amount to the same thing. You see it a lot in math, logic, and science. For example, one way of writing a statement may be followed by "equivalently" and then a second form that says the same thing more clearly or from a different angle. The point is not to add a new idea, but to show another form of the same idea.
The word "equivalently" signals that what follows is another way to express the same point. It introduces a restatement that has the same truth, force, or result as what came before. This word is especially common in mathematics, logic, science, and other careful writing, where people often move from one form of an idea to another without changing its meaning. For example, a mathematician may write one equation, then say "equivalently" and give a second equation that looks different but leads to the same conclusion.
It can also be used outside technical subjects when someone wants to show that two ways of saying something match in meaning. A speaker might explain an idea in formal language and then restate it more simply. A teacher might give a rule and then follow it with an easier version for students. In each case, the second statement is not different in substance; it is simply another form of the first.
The key idea is that "equivalently" does not normally introduce new information. Instead, it marks equivalence: two statements, forms, or methods may look different, but they match in meaning or effect. In many cases, it is close to "in other words," but it is more exact and often suggests logical, mathematical, or structural sameness rather than just a loose paraphrase.
Examples
- 1
Measurements
The bottle holds 750 milliliters, or equivalently three quarters of a liter.
- 2
Date formats
You can write the date as 14 April 2026 or, equivalently, as April 14, 2026.
- 3
Policy requirement
The policy requires all requests to be made in writing; equivalently, a phone call alone is not enough.
- 4
Algebra
In algebra, `a / b = c` can be written equivalently as `a = bc`, as long as `b` is not zero.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- equivalentlyadverb