equivalence
UK: ɪˈkwɪvələns | US: ɪˈkwɪvələns
n. the condition of being equal or equivalent in value, function, or meaning
n. (mathematics/logic) a relationship between two statements where each implies the other
equivalence = equi<equal> + val<worth> + ence<noun suffix>
- equi (from Latin aequus, meaning "equal")
- val (from Latin valere, meaning "to be strong/worthy")
- ence (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -entia)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Late Latin aequivalentia, combining aequus (equal) and valere (to be worthy). It entered Middle French as équivalence before being adopted into English in the 15th century. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "equal worth" → "interchangeability." In mathematics, it evolved to describe bidirectional logical relationships.
The equivalence of the two formulas was proven in the theorem.
There is no exact equivalence between these cultural concepts.
The translator aimed for semantic equivalence, not literal word-for-word accuracy.
In chemistry, molar equivalence is crucial for balancing reactions.
The treaty recognized the equivalence of both nations' educational degrees.