verb · B2

Equate

i-KWAYT/ɪˈkweɪt/

To equate is to treat one thing as equal to another: equate X with Y; be equated with. Equal is the adjective (already in the dictionary); equate is the verb. Compare is weaker. Do not equate a mock with the final award. Mathematical: equate two expressions. Do not write “equate to” if you mean “result in” — that is lead to.

Meaning

To consider one thing as the same as, or equal to, another.

Examples

“Do not equate a mock grade with the final award.”
“The two sides of the equation are equated, which is the maths sense.”

Good to know

equate X with Y; equated with. Adjective: equal. Weaker: compare. Maths: equate expressions. Essays: do not equate correlation with cause.

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