Sports / B2

EEKW-uh-lyz/ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

To equalise is to make things equal; in sport, to score and make the score the same (UK spelling): equalise the concentrations; equalise in the 89th minute. Equal and equality are already in the dictionary; level is a close sport twin; US equalize has a z. Equalise the concentrations in the practical; a late equaliser still needs the minute. Mix-up: equalise vs equalise as a slogan; equation; do not write equalise for a one-sided score with no levelling goal.

Meaning

To make things equal; in sport, to score and make the score the same (UK spelling).

Examples

• “Equalise the concentrations in the practical; a late equaliser still needs the minute, the PE report said.”
• “A policy to equalise funding featured in the Act, which is the make-equal sense — still quote the £ per pupil.”

Good to know

equalise + noun; equalise (sport); an equaliser. US spelling: equalize. Related: equal / equality. Trap: equation. Science, PE, and citizenship. Make equal, or score to level a match — UK -ise; quote the minute or the £.

Near in meaning

level, balance, even up

Topics

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