What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
equiv
Example
The equivocal language used in the contract made it difficult to understand. [equivocal: adjective]
Example
The politician's equivocation on the issue left many voters confused. [equivocation: noun]
equal
Example
All employees are entitled to equal pay for equal work. [equal: adjective]
Example
The two teams were evenly matched and had an equal chance of winning. [equal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Equal is more commonly used than equiv in everyday language. Equal is a common word that covers a wide range of contexts, while equiv is a specialized word that is mostly used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between equiv and equal?
Equiv is a more formal word than equal. It is often used in academic, legal, or philosophical contexts to express ambiguity, uncertainty, or approximation. Equal, on the other hand, is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express fairness, balance, or identity.