equate

/ɪˈkweɪt/

/ɪˈkweɪt/

Other forms: equated; equates; equating

When you equate one thing with another, you say that they are both the same. You might equate indulging in a hot fudge sundae with giving up on your body entirely, but I would disagree.

To equate means to make things equal, and it’s a useful word because this is something people do all the time. They equate strong political views with fascism, they equate having lots of money with good taste, and they equate popularity with goodness. Remember, though, that just because you equate one thing with another does not mean that they really are the same! As you have no doubt noticed, equate has the Latin root equ that means "equal, level," so look there if you need a reminder as to its meaning.

Definitions of equate

1. verb

   consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous
   “You cannot equate success in financial matters with greed”

   synonyms: compare, liken

   type of:

   consider, study

   give careful consideration to
2. verb

   be equivalent or parallel, in mathematics
   synonyms: correspond

   type of:

   be, equal

   be identical or equivalent to
3. verb

   make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching
   synonyms: equal, equalise, equalize, match

   equal, match, rival, touch

   be equal to in quality or ability

   types:

   homologise, homologize

   make homologous

   homogenise, homogenize

   cause to become equal or homogeneous as by mixing

   draw, tie

   finish a game with an equal number of points, goals, etc.

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation