adj
equivalent
ih-KWIH-vuh-luhnt
adj
1
Equal in value, meaning, or effect, though not necessarily identical.
"A US gallon is roughly equivalent to 3.8 liters."
"Her role is equivalent to that of a manager, though her title is different."
noun
1
Something that has the same value, function, or effect as something else.
"There's no exact British equivalent of this American dish."
How to Use Equivalent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing effectively equal to something else, or the equal counterpart of it, even if it's not exactly the same.
Common pairings
equivalent to
roughly equivalent
nearest equivalent
Word Forms
more equivalent comparative, equivalented past tense, equivalents plural, equivalents singular, most equivalent superlative
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A US gallon is roughly _____ to 3.8 liters.
Etymology
From Latin aequivalens, "having equal power," from aequus ("equal") + valere ("to be strong, have power").