make equal

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   to make two or more things the same in size, amount, value, or status.

   Grammar: Takes an object: make the two sides equal. Can also be used with to: make one thing equal to another.

   Patterns

   • make something equal
   • make A equal to B
   • make two things equal

   The teacher made the two teams equal by adding one more player to the smaller side.

   We need to make the portions equal before serving.

   The new law aims to make pay equal for men and women.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   to treat people or groups in a way that gives them the same rights or opportunities.

   Grammar: Often used in discussions about fairness and social justice. Takes an object.

   Patterns

   • make everyone equal
   • make people equal
   • make all citizens equal

   The constitution was written to make all citizens equal under the law.

   Education can help make people equal in the job market.

   They fought to make workers equal in the eyes of the company.

Common combinations

make something equal to something

The judge made the punishment equal to the crime.

make things equal

A simple adjustment can make things equal between the two groups.

make them equal

Add the same amount to both sides to make them equal.

make equal pay

The company promised to make equal pay a priority.

Synonyms and how they differ

equalize

A single verb that means the same thing; it is more formal and often used in technical contexts.

balance

Focuses on making things steady or even, not necessarily identical in value.

Opposites

Word family

equal adjective

the same in size, amount, or value

equality noun

the state of being equal

equalize verb

to make things equal

Commonly confused: make equal or be equal to?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “make equal”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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