Explanation at your level:
When you have two things that are the same, we use equals. For example, 1 + 1 equals 2. You can use it to talk about numbers. It is a very useful word for your math class!
You use equals to show that two things have the same value. It is common in school. 'Five plus five equals ten.' You can also use it to talk about people who have the same job or status.
In this level, you learn that equals is not just for math. We use it to describe fairness. We say people are equals when no one is better than the other. It is a key word in social studies and debates.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuance between 'equals' and 'is equivalent to.' While they are similar, 'equals' is more direct. You will see it in formal reports, legal documents, and discussions about social equality.
Advanced learners use equals to express precision in arguments. You might say, 'The effort put in equals the results achieved.' It suggests a direct causal link. It is also used in literary contexts to discuss the balance of power between characters.
At the mastery level, equals is used to explore philosophical concepts of parity and justice. You might analyze how the word has changed in political discourse over centuries. It is a precise tool for defining the boundaries of equivalence in complex systems.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Equals means to be the same in value or status.
- It is both a verb and a plural noun.
- It is common in math and social discussions.
- Never say 'equals to'!
Hey there! Let's talk about the word equals. At its heart, this word is all about balance and fairness. When you say that 2 + 2 equals 4, you are stating that the two sides are perfectly balanced.
Beyond math, we use it to talk about people. If you treat your friends as your equals, it means you respect them and see them as having the same value as you. It is a powerful word that promotes the idea of equality in our daily lives.
The word equals comes from the Latin word aequalis, which means 'uniform' or 'identical.' This root is the same one that gives us words like 'equation' and 'equity.'
It entered the English language around the 14th century. Over time, it evolved from a purely mathematical term into a social one, reflecting how humans perceive fairness and status in society. It is fascinating how a simple Latin root can shape how we define justice today!
You will see equals used most often in academic or formal settings, especially in math. However, it is also very common in discussions about human rights.
Common collocations include 'everyone is created equals' or 'the math equals the total.' In casual conversation, we might just say 'is the same as,' but using 'equals' adds a bit more precision to your sentence.
While 'equals' itself isn't always the center of an idiom, it is part of many phrases. 1. All men are created equal: A famous phrase about human rights. 2. Equal opportunity: A fair chance for everyone. 3. On equal footing: To be in the same position as someone else. 4. Equal to the task: Having the ability to do something. 5. Equal measure: Giving the same amount of something to everyone.
As a verb, equals is the third-person singular form (e.g., 'He equals the record'). As a noun, it is the plural form (e.g., 'They are my equals').
The pronunciation is /ˈiːkwəlz/ in both UK and US English. It rhymes with words like 'sequels' and 'squeals.' Remember to emphasize the first syllable for the best sound!
Fun Fact
The equals sign (=) was invented in 1557 by Robert Recorde because he thought nothing could be more equal than two parallel lines.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear long E sound followed by 'kwulz'.
Very similar to UK, slightly flatter vowels.
Common Errors
- pronouncing as 'eck-wals'
- missing the 'z' sound at the end
- stressing the second syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to pronounce
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement
He equals.
Countable Nouns
Two equals.
Adjective Comparison
Equal to.
Examples by Level
2 + 2 equals 4.
2 plus 2 is 4
Verb usage
We are equals.
We are the same
Noun usage
This equals that.
This is the same as that
Simple comparison
The sum equals ten.
The total is ten
Mathematical context
He equals his father.
He is as good as his father
Comparison
It equals a lot.
It is worth a lot
Value
She equals the best.
She is as good as the best
Status
Time equals money.
Time is like money
Metaphor
The total equals fifty.
We are all equals here.
This result equals success.
Hard work equals good grades.
The speed equals the distance.
She equals his skill.
The cost equals the value.
He equals the record.
They treated everyone as equals.
The equation equals zero.
His talent equals his ambition.
The outcome equals our goal.
Equality equals justice.
She equals the competition.
The risk equals the reward.
It equals a major change.
The political movement demands we be treated as equals.
The sum equals the total of all parts.
His performance equals that of a pro.
The cost equals the benefit.
The energy equals the mass.
They are equals in every sense.
The law treats all citizens as equals.
The effort equals the output.
The sum of the parts equals the whole.
He is equals to none in his field.
The sacrifice equals the gain.
The intensity equals the passion.
The policy equals a new era.
The theory equals the practice.
The weight equals the burden.
The vision equals the reality.
The philosophical argument posits that all beings are equals.
The aesthetic balance equals perfection.
The structural integrity equals the design.
The historical impact equals the legend.
The moral weight equals the duty.
The complexity equals the beauty.
The silence equals the tension.
The resolution equals the climax.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"all men are created equal"
everyone has the same rights
The document states all men are created equal.
formal"on equal footing"
in the same position
We start on equal footing.
neutral"equal opportunity"
fair chance for all
They offer equal opportunity.
formal"equal to the task"
capable of doing it
She is equal to the task.
neutral"in equal measure"
in the same amount
I feel joy and fear in equal measure.
literaryEasily Confused
Adjective vs verb
Equal is adj, equals is verb/noun
They are equal (adj). They are equals (noun).
Similar meaning
Equivalent is often used for things that have the same effect.
This is equivalent to a fine.
Synonym
Same is more general.
We have the same car.
Synonym
Identical means exactly the same.
They are identical twins.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + equals + object
He equals the champion.
Subject + equals + number
It equals ten.
Treat + someone + as + equals
Treat them as equals.
Subject + is + equal + to + object
This is equal to that.
Subject + equals + the + noun
The cost equals the price.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Equals is a transitive verb; you don't need 'to'.
Use 'equal to' when comparing.
They equal (not equals) the record.
Equals is verb/plural noun; equal is adj.
Plural noun needs the s.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a balanced scale in your mind.
Math Context
Use it for equations.
Human Rights
Use it to discuss fairness.
No 'to'
Never say 'equals to'.
The Z sound
Don't forget the 'z' at the end.
Verb Agreement
He/She/It equals.
The Sign
The '=' sign is 500 years old!
Flashcards
Use math examples on one side.
Precision
Use it to show exactness.
Clarity
Use it to define terms.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
E-Q-U-A-L-S: Everyone Qualifies Under A Level Standard.
Visual Association
A scale with two identical weights.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences using 'equals' as a verb and three as a noun.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: uniform/identical
Cultural Context
Sensitive when discussing social hierarchy.
Highly valued in democratic societies.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- equals the total
- equals zero
- is equal to
at work
- equals our goal
- equals the budget
- equals the output
social justice
- are equals
- equal rights
- equal opportunity
sports
- equals the record
- equals the score
- equals the performance
Conversation Starters
"Do you think everyone is treated as equals in society?"
"What is something that equals a lot of effort for you?"
"Do you like math equations that use equals?"
"How do you treat your friends as equals?"
"Can you name something that equals success?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you felt treated as an equal.
What does equality mean to you?
If you could make two things equal, what would they be?
Describe a situation where the effort equals the reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is both!
No, just 'equals'.
It is standard in both formal and informal contexts.
Equals.
2 + 2 equals 4.
Often yes, but 'equals' is more precise.
Yes, 'they are my equals'.
Yes, 'differs' or 'is unequal'.
Test Yourself
2 + 2 ___ 4.
Third person singular verb.
What does 'equals' mean?
Equals means identical.
Equals can be a noun.
Yes, it refers to people of the same status.
Word
Meaning
Matching definitions.
Correct structure.
He ___ the record.
Subject-verb agreement.
Equals is a synonym for 'varies'.
They are opposites.
Which is an antonym?
Differs means not the same.
Word
Meaning
Synonym matching.
Simple math statement.
Score: /10
Summary
Equals is a simple word that represents the powerful idea of balance and fairness.
- Equals means to be the same in value or status.
- It is both a verb and a plural noun.
- It is common in math and social discussions.
- Never say 'equals to'!
Memory Palace
Imagine a balanced scale in your mind.
Math Context
Use it for equations.
Human Rights
Use it to discuss fairness.
No 'to'
Never say 'equals to'.
