equivalence
/ɪˈkwɪv.əl.əns/
noun
Origin
Latin
aequivolentia — equal power
Overview
Meaning Now
- The condition of being equal or equivalent in value, worth, function, or meaning.
- A state where different things are treated as being effectively the same.
Literal older meaning
the quality of having equal power or worth
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
aequivalence
Earliest period
late 16th century
Journey
The term emerged in English during the Renaissance, derived from Scholastic Latin discussions about the equivalence of propositions and the theological value of sacraments or merits.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
aequus + valere
“equal + to be strong/worth”
The basis for the later noun formation.
- Medieval Latin
aequivolentia
“the state of having equal value”
Used in Scholastic logic and theology.
- Middle French
équivalence
“equal value or power”
Adopted into legal and academic discourse.
- 16th-century English
aequivalence
“equality of value”
Initially reflected the Latinate spelling.
Connections
Word parts
aequi-
prefix
equal
val-
root
be strong, be worth
-ence
suffix
suffix forming nouns of state or quality
Related across languages
French
équivalence
equivalence
Spanish
equivalencia
equivalence
German
Äquivalenz
equivalence
Related words
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Related to equivalence
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.