equivalence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "equivalence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe two or more different things that have the same value, level, or amount of importance. For example, "The equivalence of two hours of work and a two dollar payment was agreed upon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The relevant background fact is Reidemeister's theorem, which links the visualizable diagrammatic changes to the mathematically precise definition of knot equivalence: Two knots are equivalent if and only if there is a finite sequence of Reidemeister moves taking a knot diagram of one to a knot diagram of the other.

SEP

The language of description is always a matter of equivalence (a word equals the thing it describes) and so cannot contend with the sublime.

The Guardian - Books

There was no equivalence between two tragic incidents at a rival publisher with its own unethical decision to allow advertising concerns to dictate its editorial policy.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.In an effort to find common ground with Islam, Mr Obama posits a false equivalence between the struggle for women's rights in the United States and the Muslim-majority countries he discusses.

The Economist

According to a theory known as Ricardian equivalence, households should now be anticipating higher future taxes to repay the extra government debt, by saving more today.

The Economist

Its new Athlon 64 4000+ chip, for example, announced this week, runs at 2.4GHz, but its name implies rough equivalence with a 4GHz Intel chip.

The Economist

On the issue of testing new foodstuffs, whether modified or unmodified, they call for a more systematic approach to establishing "substantial equivalence"—the principle that GM and conventional foods are equally safe so long as they have the same composition.

The Economist

Independent analysts view any implication of equivalence as preposterous, but the arguments, and the pain, will surely continue.

The Economist

By repeatedly measuring the distance between them, scientists can calculate the orbits of the Earth and the moon around the sun relative to each other.If the equivalence principle were violated, the moon's orbit around the Earth would appear skewed, either towards or away from the sun.

The Economist

Those who loved the collateral victims of the "global war on terror" are equally unmoved by our conviction in the righteousness of this cause.Whether or not there is a moral equivalence here (and I'm not claiming there is), there's undoubtedly a psychological equivalence.

The Economist

A theory called "Ricardian equivalence" holds that increases in public saving are cancelled out by falls in private saving as individuals anticipate future tax cuts.A recent OECD study of 16 rich countries between 1970 and 2002 finds that, on average, around half of any improvement in public finances is offset by lower private saving in the short term, and around two-thirds in the long term.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equivalence", ensure that the context clearly defines the basis of comparison. Are you referring to functional, quantitative, or qualitative similarity?

Common error

Avoid using "equivalence" when you actually mean identity. "Equivalence" implies a similarity in some respects, while identity suggests that two things are essentially the same.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "equivalence" is as a noun. It commonly refers to the state of being equal or virtually identical, often used to describe relationships between different items or concepts, as evidenced by Ludwig in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equivalence" is a versatile noun used to express a state of equality or correspondence between different entities. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, signaling its widespread relevance. To prevent the common error of confusing it with identity, remember that "equivalence" suggests similarity in specific aspects rather than complete sameness. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "equivalence" to enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equality

Focuses on the state of being equal, often in quantity or value, whereas "equivalence" can imply a functional similarity.

parity

Emphasizes a state of being equal or equivalent, often in status or level.

correspondence

Highlights a similarity or analogy between two things, suggesting a more specific relationship than general equality.

sameness

Indicates an identity or lack of difference, which is a stronger assertion than "equivalence".

similarity

Implies a resemblance or likeness, but not necessarily a complete equality like "equivalence".

correlation

Suggests a mutual relationship or connection, often statistical, rather than direct equality.

agreement

Highlights a state of concurrence or harmony, often used in contexts involving opinions or arrangements.

congruence

Focuses on the state of being in agreement or harmony, often in a geometrical or formal sense.

interchangeability

Highlights the ability of two things to be used in place of each other, which is a specific type of "equivalence".

comparability

Emphasizes the ability to compare two things, suggesting they share some common attributes but are not necessarily equal.

FAQs

How is "equivalence" used in a sentence?

The term "equivalence" is used to describe the state of being equal or virtually identical, often in terms of value, function, or meaning. For example, "The researchers demonstrated the "therapeutic equivalence" of the two drugs".

What are some synonyms for "equivalence"?

Alternatives for "equivalence" include "equality", "parity", "correspondence", and "similarity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "equivalence" and "equality"?

"Equality" typically refers to an exact sameness in quantity or measure, while "equivalence" suggests a functional or practical similarity, even if not identical. One example can be that "1+1 = 2" is equality while "a dollar is equivalent to 100 cents" is equivalence.

When is it appropriate to use "equivalence" instead of "similarity"?

"Equivalence" is appropriate when highlighting a functional or effective equality, whereas "similarity" points to a general resemblance. Therefore, "substantial equivalence" implies similar performance, although not necessarily identical construction, where similarity does not make this claim.