What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comparable
Example
The prices of the two products are comparable. [comparable: adjective]
Example
Her performance is comparable to that of a professional athlete. [comparable: preposition]
equivalent
Example
One cup of flour is equivalent to 120 grams. [equivalent: adjective]
Example
The word 'car' is equivalent to 'automobile'. [equivalent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Comparable is more commonly used than equivalent in everyday language. Comparable is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as comparing prices, qualities, or performances. On the other hand, equivalent is more specific and is often used in technical or academic contexts to describe equal values or interchangeable items.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comparable and equivalent?
Both comparable and equivalent can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, equivalent is more commonly used in technical or academic settings, making it slightly more formal than comparable.
