Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Equal?

\E"qual\, a. [L. aequalis, fr. aequus even, equal; akin to Skr. ?ka, and perh. to L. unus for older oinos one, E. one.] 1. Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; -- applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc.; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value. 2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task. The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English. --Clarendon. It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit. --Dryden. Whose voice an equal messenger Conveyed thy meaning mild. --Emerson. 3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement. ``An equal temper.'' --Dryden. 4. Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just. Are not my ways equal? --Ezek. xviii. 29. Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem. --Spenser. Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise. --Milton. 5. Of the same interest or concern; indifferent. They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me. --Cheyne. 6. (Mus.) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; -- opposed to mixed. [R.] 7. (Math.) Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity. {Equal temperament}. (Mus.) See {Temperament}. Syn: Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.
\E"qual\, n. 1. One not inferior or superior to another; one having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, or other quality or condition; an equal quantity or number; as, ``If equals be taken from equals the remainders are equal.'' Those who were once his equals envy and defame him. --Addison. 2. State of being equal; equality. [Obs.] --Spenser.
\E"qual\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Equaled}or {Equalled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Equaling} or {Equalling}.] 1. To be or become equal to; to have the same quantity, the same value, the same degree or rank, or the like, with; to be commen?urate with. On me whose all not equals Edward's moiety. --Shak. 2. To make equal return to; to recompense fully. Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love. --Dryden. 3. To make equal or equal to; to equalize; hence, to compare or regard as equals; to put on equality. He would not equal the mind that he found in himself to the infinite and incomprehensible. --Berkeley.