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Equivocal vs Equivalent - What's the difference?

equivocal | equivalent |

As nouns the difference between equivocal and equivalent

is that equivocal is a word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque while equivalent is anything that is virtually equal to something else, or has the same value, force, etc.

As adjectives the difference between equivocal and equivalent

is that equivocal is having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain while equivalent is similar or identical in value, meaning or effect; virtually equal.

As a verb equivalent is

to make equivalent to; to equal.

equivocal

English

(Webster 1913)

Alternative forms

* (rare)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.
  • Synonyms

    * double entendre

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.
  • equivocal''' words; an '''equivocal sentence
  • * Jeffrey
  • For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
  • Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
  • His actions are equivocal .
  • * Milton
  • equivocal repentances
  • Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful, incongruous.
  • * Burke
  • How equivocal a test.

    Synonyms

    * ambiguous, doubtful, uncertain, indeterminate

    Antonyms

    * unequivocal * (l)

    Derived terms

    * equivocalness

    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.
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