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Equivalent vs Formal - What's the difference?

equivalent | formal |

As nouns the difference between equivalent and formal

is that equivalent is equivalent while formal is an objective.

As an adjective equivalent

is equivalent.

equivalent

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Similar or identical in value, meaning or effect; virtually equal.
  • * South
  • For now to serve and to minister, servile and ministerial, are terms equivalent .
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03
  • , author=(Henry Petroski) , title=Opening Doors , volume=100, issue=2, page=112-3 , magazine= citation , passage=A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place. Applying a force tangential to the knob is essentially equivalent to applying one perpendicular to a radial line defining the lever.}}
  • (mathematics) Of two sets, having a one-to-one correspondence; equinumerous.
  • * Comprehensive MCQ's in Mathematics , page 3:
  • Finite sets A and B are equivalent sets only when n''(A) = ''n''(B) ''i.e. , the number of elements in A and B are equal.
  • * 1950 , E. Kamke, Theory of Sets , page 16:
  • All enumerable sets are equivalent to each other, but not to any finite set.
  • * 2000 , N. L. Carothers, Real Analysis , page 18:
  • Equivalent' sets should, by rights, have the same "number" of elements. For this reason we sometimes say that '''equivalent sets have the same ''cardinality .
  • * 2006 , Joseph Breuer, Introduction to the Theory of Sets , page 41:
  • The equivalence theorem: If both M is equivalent''' to a subset N1 of N and N is '''equivalent''' to a subset M1 of M, then the sets M and N are '''equivalent to each other.
  • (mathematics) Relating to the corresponding elements of an equivalence relation.
  • (chemistry) Having the equal ability to combine.
  • (cartography) Of a map, equal-area.
  • (geometry) Equal in measure but not admitting of superposition; applied to magnitudes.
  • A square may be equivalent to a triangle.

    Usage notes

    * (en-usage-equal)

    Derived terms

    * (l)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Anything that is virtually equal to something else, or has the same value, force, etc.
  • * Macaulay
  • He owned that, if the Test Act were repealed, the Protestants were entitled to some equivalent .
  • (chemistry) An equivalent weight.
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make equivalent to; to equal.
  • ----

    formal

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Being in accord with established forms.
  • :
  • Official.
  • :
  • Relating to the form or structure of something.
  • :
  • *
  • Relating to formation.
  • :
  • Ceremonial.
  • :(rfquote-sense)
  • Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
  • :
  • Organized; well-structured and planned.
  • :
  • (mathematics) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
  • :
  • Antonyms

    * informal

    Derived terms

    * formal cause * formalize * formalist * formalism * formality

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Formalin.
  • An evening gown.
  • An event with a formal dress code.
  • Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal .