Meaning & use
equally
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
To the same degree or amount as another person or thing.
Grammar: Modifies an adjective or verb and takes no than: equally important, not equally than.
Patterns
- equally important
- equally well
Both players are equally talented.
The twins are equally fond of swimming.
Honesty and kindness are equally valuable in a leader.
adverbnot comparable
In parts of the same size or in a way that treats everyone alike.
Grammar: Often follows a verb of sharing or treating: divide it equally.
Patterns
- share something equally
- treat someone equally
They split the bill equally among the five of them.
The law should treat everyone equally.
Divide the dough equally and roll each piece out.
adverbnot comparable
Used to introduce a point that is just as true or important as the one before it.
Grammar: Sentence adverb, often at the start: equally, we must consider the cost.
Patterns
- Equally, ...
The plan is bold; equally, it carries real risks.
We want to grow quickly. Equally, we must avoid debt.
Common combinations
- equally important
- Rest is equally important.
- divided equally
- The prize was divided equally between the winners.
- treated equally
- All applicants should be treated equally.
- equally likely
- Both outcomes are equally likely.
- equally good
- The two routes are equally good.
- equally well
- She plays piano and violin equally well.
Synonyms and how they differ
- evenly
- Evenly suits spreading or sharing, such as paint or shares, while equally also covers degree and importance.
- alike
- Alike stresses that things are similar, not that they match in amount.
- just as
- Just as is more casual and needs a following clause or as, as in just as important as.
- likewise
- Likewise means in the same way and is often used to continue an action, not to compare amounts.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: equally or equitably? equally or equal?
equally vs equitably
Equitably means fairly, taking needs into account, which may not be the same as dividing things equally.
equally vs equal
Equal is an adjective (equal pay), while equally is the adverb that modifies adjectives and verbs (equally paid).
Practice
Which sentence is the most standard and correct?
Choose one answer.
Equally modifies the adjective qualified. Equal is an adjective and cannot modify another adjective, and equally than or equally to are not standard patterns.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “equally”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.