vaguely equivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vaguely equivalent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, terms, or items that are similar but not identical in meaning or function. Example: "The two theories are vaguely equivalent, as they both address similar phenomena but differ in their underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Adults have always tended to see kids and animals as vaguely equivalent, or at least more like each other than like us.

The New York Times

The question is crystallized in the recent controversy over whether Skype has a back door so the NSA can tap your conversations, or something vaguely equivalent that will provoke equivalent outrage.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I suppose this is a vague equivalent to the homoerotic pleasures of liturgical traditionalists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vaguely speaking equivalent IBD-sharing structures means that these structures correspond to structurally similar (exchangeable) genetic inheritance.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Upon arrival, visitors are charged vague "access fees" equivalent to upward of $100.

The New York Times

Those kinds of vague orders were the equivalent of my saying to the S.P.E.

The New York Times - Science

He takes, for instance, an entire page to list the many banal things that bring joy when strewn across the terrain vague (there's no equivalent in english, wasteland being "pejorative and lazy").

Independent

So, Twenty20 time – usually the cricketing equivalent of some vaguely trashy airport novel (usually with the word "Strike", "Force" or "Eagle" in the title) to be enjoyed while it lasts and then quickly forgotten.

The Guardian - Sport

In the case of the inclusion of specific edges to define a 'modulation' then the question is what kind of modulation is this and how would one interpret or model such a vague concept and the mEPN equivalent of the 'stimulation' edge is an activation edge.

BMC Systems Biology

It is the electronic equivalent of graffiti with a vaguely anti-establishment theme.

The Guardian - Tech

There are some remarks that are so stupid that to be even vaguely aware of them is the intellectual equivalent of living nextdoor to Chernobyl.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vaguely equivalent", ensure the context clarifies the degree of similarity. Specify the aspects in which they are similar to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "vaguely equivalent" when there are significant differences between the items being compared. Use a more precise term if the similarity is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vaguely equivalent" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the nature of the equivalence between two or more things. It indicates that the similarity is not precise or exact but rather approximate. Ludwig examples show its usage in comparing concepts or items that share some resemblance but are not identical.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vaguely equivalent" is a useful tool for expressing approximate similarity. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts, including news and science. Its primary function is to indicate an inexact comparison, suggesting a resemblance without strict precision. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify the context to avoid ambiguity and consider whether a more precise term might be appropriate for formal writing. While commonly used, related phrases like "roughly comparable" or "somewhat similar" may offer greater clarity in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly comparable

Emphasizes a general similarity without strict precision; less formal than "equivalent".

somewhat similar

Highlights the similarity but acknowledges differences, implying a less direct equivalence.

loosely analogous

Suggests a parallel or resemblance that is not exact or fully developed.

broadly alike

Indicates a general similarity in most respects, with allowance for some divergence.

approximately equal

Focuses on a quantitative comparison where the values are near but not exactly the same.

in the same ballpark

An idiomatic expression indicating the items are within a similar range or order of magnitude.

not entirely dissimilar

A double negative emphasizing that the items share some resemblances or qualities.

more or less the same

Indicates a general identity or likeness, with minor differences that do not affect the overall result.

fairly close

Suggests a proximity or resemblance that is near but not perfect.

in a similar vein

Indicates that the items share a common theme or characteristic, but may differ in specifics.

FAQs

How can I use "vaguely equivalent" in a sentence?

You can use "vaguely equivalent" to describe things that are similar but not exactly the same. For example, "The two concepts are "vaguely equivalent", but there are some key differences".

What's the difference between "vaguely equivalent" and "exactly equivalent"?

"Vaguely equivalent" implies an approximate similarity, while "exactly equivalent" means the items are identical in all relevant aspects. Use "vaguely equivalent" when the items are similar but not perfectly interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "vaguely equivalent"?

You can use alternatives like "roughly comparable", "somewhat similar", or "loosely analogous" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "vaguely equivalent" in formal writing?

While "vaguely equivalent" is acceptable, consider using more precise language in formal writing to clearly convey the degree of similarity. Alternatives like "approximately equal" might be more suitable.