equivalence

noun

equiv·​a·​lence i-ˈkwi-və-lən(t)s 

-ˈkwiv-lən(t)s

1

a

: the state or property of being equivalent

b

: the relation holding between two statements if they are either both true or both false so that to affirm one and to deny the other would result in a contradiction

2

: a presentation of terms as equivalent

3

: equality in metrical value of a regular foot and one in which there are substitutions

Synonyms

• coequality
• coordinateness
• equality
• equivalency
• par
• parity
• sameness

Examples of equivalence in a Sentence

the equivalence of the two propositions

moviegoers who mistakenly believe that there is an equivalence between the personality of an actor and that of his character

Recent Examples on the Web

The Madness can traffic in false equivalences—a common pitfall of political fiction that values moderation as an end in itself. —Judy Berman, TIME, 28 Nov. 2024

There cannot be this false moral equivalence in our discourse. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

The same illogic leads the progressive Left to equate Israel’s defense against Hamas terrorists with the October 7 atrocities, and to draw false equivalences between Daniel Penny’s intervention on a subway and Mangione’s premeditated execution. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024

Advertisement Science and quackery cannot be treated as having scientific and moral equivalence. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing equivalence

• equivalence class
• equivalence relation

Kids Definition

equivalence

noun

equiv·​a·​lence i-ˈkwiv(-ə)-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being equivalent

Medical Definition

equivalence

noun

equiv·​a·​lence i-ˈkwiv(-ə)-lən(t)s 

: the state or property of being equivalent