equality
C1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.
The principle of treating all people as having the same fundamental worth and being entitled to fair and just treatment; a state of balance or equivalence in mathematical or logical contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract noun. While it can be quantified (e.g., a degree of equality), it is often used as a non-count concept denoting an ideal or principle. Can refer to social, legal, political, economic, or mathematical equality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Both varieties use the term identically in core contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with social justice, civil rights, and democratic ideals. In the UK, historically linked to the 'Equality Act 2010'. In the US, closely tied to the 'Equal Protection Clause' of the 14th Amendment.
Frequency
High frequency in both political, legal, and social discourse. Slightly more common in UK legislative terminology due to the 'Equality and Human Rights Commission'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
equality between [A and B]equality of [something, e.g., opportunity, outcome]equality for [group]equality in [domain, e.g., pay, education]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on an equal footing”
- “a level playing field”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to diversity and inclusion policies, pay equity audits, and ensuring equality of opportunity in hiring.
Academic
A central concept in political philosophy, sociology, law, and gender studies; often discussed in terms of theories of justice.
Everyday
Used in discussions about fair treatment, rights, and social issues.
Technical
In mathematics and logic, the state of two expressions or sets being identical in value or membership; symbol '='.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The law aims to equalise opportunities for all citizens.
- They campaigned to equalise the voting age.
American English
- The new policy will equalize access to healthcare.
- The court ruling helped equalize rights across states.
adverb
British English
- The resources were divided equally among the participants.
- Treat everyone equally.
American English
- The prize money was split equally between the winners.
- The law applies equally to all.
adjective
British English
- They fought for a more equal society.
- The distribution was not equal.
American English
- We need equal pay for equal work.
- They demanded equal treatment under the law.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Friendship is based on equality.
- All children should have equality.
- The company supports gender equality in the workplace.
- The teacher treats all students with equality.
- Legislation was passed to ensure greater equality of opportunity in education.
- Achieving true social equality remains a significant challenge.
- Philosophers have long debated the tension between liberty and equality as political ideals.
- The principle of substantive equality requires addressing systemic barriers, not just formal equal treatment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EQUAL + ITY: Think of the 'ity' suffix turning the adjective 'equal' into the noun state of being equal.
Conceptual Metaphor
EQUALITY IS BALANCE (a level scale); EQUALITY IS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD (fair competition).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'равенство' (equality) and 'уравниловка' (levelling, forced equalisation). 'Equality' is a positive ideal, while 'уравниловка' is a negative term for artificial sameness that ignores merit.
- The Russian word 'равноправие' is a closer match for 'equality of rights' rather than the broader 'equality'.
- Translating 'gender equality' as 'гендерное равенство' is standard, not 'гендерная равенство'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'equality' as a countable noun in most contexts (e.g., 'an equality' is rare).
- Confusing 'equality' (sameness of treatment/status) with 'equity' (fairness considering individual circumstances).
- Misspelling as 'equalitiy' or 'eqality'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest antonym for 'equality' in a social context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Equality' means giving everyone the same thing. 'Equity' means giving people what they need to reach an equal outcome, which may require different resources.
Yes. In mathematics, 'equality' (symbol '=') denotes that two expressions have the same value or that two sets are identical.
A common mistake is using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an equality'). It is usually a non-count noun (e.g., 'a lack of equality').
The main difference is in the vowel of the second syllable. British: /ɪˈkwɒl.ə.ti/ (similar to 'lot'). American: /ɪˈkwɑː.lə.t̬i/ (similar to 'father', with a possible flap 't').
Collections
Part of a collection
Cultural Topics
B2 · 47 words · Analyzing culture, society and identity.
Philosophy and Ethics
C1 · 50 words · Philosophical concepts and ethical reasoning.