What does equivalently mean?
"Equivalently" is a formal adverb meaning in a way that is equal in value, amount, function, or meaning. It does two main jobs in English: it describes something being treated or measured as the same as something else (as in units of conversion or comparable quantities), and it introduces a restatement of an idea in different words, signalling that what follows says precisely the same thing. The second use is especially common in mathematics, logic, science, and technical writing, where precision matters and a writer may want to express one proposition in two forms — often flagged by the familiar construction 'or, equivalently,'. The word derives from Latin aequus ('equal') and valere ('to be strong or worth'), arriving in English through the adjective 'equivalent'. Though rare in casual conversation, it lends clarity and authority to formal prose, marking exact correspondence rather than mere similarity.
In a manner equal in value, amount, function, or meaning; correspondingly.
"A mile is equivalently about 1.6 kilometres."
Often used parenthetically or after a comma to introduce an alternative formulation of the same statement.
Used to introduce a restatement of what has just been said in different words; that is to say.
"No candidate received a majority; equivalently, the election must go to a second round."
Common in mathematical and logical writing as 'or, equivalently,'.
In mathematics and logic, "or, equivalently," is the phrase writers reach for when two statements look nothing alike but mean exactly the same thing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of equivalently
"Equivalently" is formed from the adjective "equivalent" plus the adverbial suffix -ly. "Equivalent" comes from Latin aequivalent-, the present participle stem of aequivale re, meaning 'to be equally worth', from aequus ('equal') and valere ('to be strong, to be worth'). The adjective entered English via French and Late Latin in the early fifteenth century, and the adverb followed later as formal scientific and logical prose developed. Its cognates include "equivocal" (literally 'of equal voice', hence ambiguous) and "valence" and "value", which share the Latin root valere.
Related word forms
How equivalently is actually used
"Equivalently" belongs chiefly to formal registers — scientific writing, mathematics, logic, law, and technical prose. In everyday speech, speakers usually prefer "in other words", "which means", or "put another way" instead. It frequently appears set off by commas after a statement, especially in mathematical argument.
Easily confused with equivalently
"Equally" means to the same degree or in equal shares, while "equivalently" means in a way that is interchangeable or identical in value, meaning, or effect.
"Equivocally" means ambiguously or with double meaning (from Latin aequivocus), whereas "equivalently" means in an exactly corresponding way — they are near-opposites despite similar spellings.