equivalent
/ɪˈkwɪvələnt/
adjective
Origin
Latin
aequivalentem — equal in value
Overview
Meaning Now
- Having the same value, measure, power, effect, or meaning.
- Being essentially equal, notwithstanding differences in form or appearance.
Literal older meaning
having equal value
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
equivalent
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
The term stems from the Latin concept of balance ('aequus') combined with strength or power ('valere'). In early usage, it frequently described financial values or theological parity before expanding to general mathematical and qualitative comparison.
Evolution
- Latin
aequus
“equal, even, fair”
- Late Latin
aequi-valere
“to be of equal worth”
combination of aequus and valere
- Middle French
équivalent
“equal in value”
- Middle English
equivalent
“having equal value or force”
borrowed directly from French
Connections
Word parts
aequi-
prefix
equal
-valent
suffix
having force or worth
Related across languages
French
équivalent
equivalent
Spanish
equivalente
equivalent
Italian
equivalente
equivalent
Related words
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Related to equivalent
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.