Collins English-English Dictionary

equal ['iːkwəl]

1. 1. adj [often foll by to or with] identical in size, quantity, degree, intensity, etc; the same (as)

2. 2. adj having identical privileges, rights, status, etc

   all men are equal before the law

3. 3. adj having uniform effect or application

   equal opportunities

4. 4. adj evenly balanced or proportioned

   the game was equal between the teams

5. 5. adj [usually foll by to] having the necessary or adequate strength, ability, means, etc (for)

   to be equal to one's work

6. 6. adj another word for equivalent

7. 7. n a person or thing equal to another, esp in merit, ability, etc

   he has no equal when it comes to boxing

8. 8. vt. [tr] to be equal to; correspond to; match

   my offer equals his

9. 9. vi. [intr; usually foll by out] to become equal or level

10. 10. vt. [tr] to make, perform, or do something equal to

    to equal the world record

11. 11. vt. [tr] [Archaic] to make equal

12. 12. vt. [Etymology] C14: from Latin aequalis, from aequus level, of obscure origin

13. 13. adv [Usage] The use of more equal as in from now on their relationship will be a more equal one is acceptable in modern English usage. Equally is preferred to equally as in sentences such as reassuring the victims is equally important. Just as is preferred to equally as in sentences such as their surprise was just as great as his