equal
UK[ˈiːkwəl]US[ˈiːkwəl]
adj
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
adj
Having the same rights or status.
v
To be the same as something else in number, amount, or value.
Morpheme Breakdown
equ
al
equ
equal
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'equal' originates from the Latin 'aequālis', which is derived from 'aequus', meaning "level, even, just, impartial." This Latin root can be traced further back to the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root h₂eyḱ- ("to possess, master"), which also gave rise to words like 'equity' and 'equanimity'. The semantic journey evolved from the concrete idea of a flat, level surface to the abstract concepts of fairness, sameness, and uniformity. The suffix '-al' was added to form an adjective, solidifying its meaning as "having the quality of being even or the same." Thus, the modern term retains the core logic of its ancient roots, describing a state of balance and equivalence.
Analysis
Structure: equ (equal) + al (adjective suffix)
equ (Latin, meaning "equal, level, fair"), al (Latin adjectival suffix, meaning "pertaining to, having the nature of").
Examples
All people are born equal in dignity and rights.
One kilometer is roughly equal to 0.621 miles.
The company's profits this year equaled those of the last three years combined.