Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - equal

(equals, equalling, equalled) Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English. Note: in AM, use 'equaling', 'equaled' 1. If two things are equal or if one thing is equal to another, they are the same in size, number, standard, or value. Investors can borrow an amount equal to the property’s purchase price. ...in a population having equal numbers of men and women... Research and teaching are of equal importance. ADJ: oft ADJ to n 2. If different groups of people have equal rights or are given equal treatment, they have the same rights or are treated the same as each other, however different they are. We will be justly demanding equal rights at work. ...the commitment to equal opportunities. ...new legislation allowing building societies to compete on equal terms with their competitors. ADJ: usu ADJ n 3. If you say that people are equal, you mean that they have or should have the same rights and opportunities as each other. We are equal in every way... At any gambling game, everyone is equal. ADJ: v-link ADJ 4. Someone who is your equal has the same ability, status, or rights as you have. She was one of the boys, their equal... You should have married somebody more your equal. N-COUNT: poss N 5. If someone is equal to a particular job or situation, they have the necessary ability, strength, or courage to deal successfully with it. She was determined that she would be equal to any test the corporation put to them... ADJ: v-link ADJ to n 6. If something equals a particular number or amount, it is the same as that amount or the equivalent of that amount. 9 percent interest less 7 percent inflation equals 2 percent... V-LINK: V amount 7. To equal something or someone means to be as good or as great as them. The victory equalled Southend’s best in history... VERB: V n 8. If you say ‘other things being equal’ or ‘all things being equal’ when talking about a possible situation, you mean if nothing unexpected happens or if there are no other factors which affect the situation. Other things being equal, most tenants would prefer single to shared rooms... PHRASE: PHR with cl