If two things are basically the same, you can say that they're the equivalent of each other. Like, studying advanced physics is the equivalent of banging your head against the wall.
- Pronunciation: /ɪ'kwɪvələnt/
- English Description: having the same value, use, meaning, etc.
- Chinese Translation: 相等的(xiang1 deng3 de)
- Spanish Translation: equivalente
- STORY: Equivalent's Latin roots are "equal" and "value," which suggests that the word originally was used to describe things that had the same value. Now it can be used to describe things that have the same effect, or importance, or role — for example, "England's Parliament is the equivalent of America's Congress." It can also be used as an adjective: "Eating a bowl of Sugar Pops for breakfast is equivalent to starting your day with two scoops of ice-cream."
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
- A group of scientists and economists is calling for the equivalent of the Apollo Space programme to produce cheap, clean energy.
- Historically, many colleges have received state funding based on how many full-time equivalent students are enrolled at the beginning of the semester.
*New word description, story and part of "EXAMPLE SENTENCE" are cited in Vocabulary.com