Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Equal”
Having the same measure, worth, or ability as something or someone else.
Word Family of Equal
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- Two plus two equals four. A2
- All employees should receive equal pay for equal work. B1
- This recipe requires equal amounts of flour and sugar. A2
Word Form Patterns for Equal
-ity
Adds **-ity** to form an abstract noun about a quality or state. Example: equal → equality.
-ize
Adds **-ize** to form a verb meaning to make or become. Example: equal → equalize.
-ly
Adds **-ly** to make an adverb describing how an action happens. Example: equal → equally.
Origin and Word Formation of Equal
From Latin aequalis (level, even); cognate with 'equate' and 'equation'.
Equal rights and equal treatment are foundational to modern democratic values.
Common Word Form Mistakes with Equal
Wrong: All people are equal in opportunities.
Correct: All people should have equal opportunities.
'Equal opportunities' is the correct noun phrase; 'in opportunities' is incorrect preposition usage.
Wrong: They divided the money equal between them.
Correct: They divided the money equally between them.
Use adverb 'equally' for describing how an action is performed; adjective 'equal' modifies nouns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Equal
What are the word forms of “equal”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “equal”?
“equal” is primarily a adj. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Where does “equal” come from?
From Latin aequalis (level, even); cognate with 'equate' and 'equation'.