equate
Meaning
to consider one thing as being the same as or equal to another thing
to make two or more things equal in amount, value, or level
Structure
Usage
you cannot simply equate wealth with happiness.
the government's policy aims to equate supply with demand in the housing market.
many people equate the brand name with superior quality.
Etymology
the word 'equate' originates from the latin verb 'aequare', meaning 'to make equal or level,' which itself is derived from the adjective 'aequus.' this latin root, signifying fairness and uniformity, is shared by many english words concerning equality, such as 'equal,' 'equity,' and 'equation.' the suffix '-ate' was adopted into english from the latin past participle ending '-atus,' commonly used to form verbs. thus, the literal construction 'to make equal' directly informs the modern abstract meanings of considering things as identical or balancing their values.
Analysis
equ (from latin 'aequus', meaning 'level, equal, fair') + ate (a verb-forming suffix from latin '-atus', indicating an action or process)