Corresponding vs. Equivalent — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 22, 2024
Corresponding refers to having a direct relationship or connection, often in position or function, while equivalent means equal in value, amount, function, or meaning.
Difference Between Corresponding and Equivalent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Corresponding items or elements are linked through their relationship or role, suggesting a partnership or match that complements or mirrors each other. This connection is often positional or functional, indicating a synergy or coordination between the two. On the other hand, equivalent items are comparable in their essence or outcome, implying they can be substituted for one another without loss of value, function, or purpose. This distinction highlights the difference between relational alignment (corresponding) and value or functional parity (equivalent).
In mathematics and science, corresponding angles or elements refer to those that occupy similar positions or roles in different structures or equations, emphasizing a relationship based on arrangement or function. Whereas equivalent quantities or units share the same value or effect, despite possibly differing in form, demonstrating how equivalence focuses on outcome rather than relational position.
In communication, corresponding individuals or entities engage in an exchange where there is a direct relationship or role, such as corresponding authors or corresponding members of an organization. Equivalent communication would mean messages or information that convey the same meaning or value, regardless of the form or medium used, underscoring the content’s parity over the relational dynamics.
Corresponding parts in machinery or design are those that match or mirror each other, serving similar functions or fitting together in a complementary way. Equivalent parts, however, are those that can be used interchangeably due to their identical specifications or effects, even if they are not identical in design or origin, pointing out the functional interchangeability versus relational matching.
In legal and financial contexts, corresponding laws or regulations are those that relate to each other across different jurisdictions, having similar positions or purposes in their respective systems. Equivalent laws or values, meanwhile, would be those that achieve the same ends or have the same worth, even if they are formulated differently, accentuating the equivalence in effect over correspondence in role or relationship.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Linked by a relationship or function
Equal in value, amount, or function
Emphasis
Relationship or position
Outcome or value
Application
Positions in geometry, roles in communication
Value in math, interchangeable parts
Focus
Relational alignment
Functional or value parity
Example
Corresponding sides of similar triangles
Two different currencies worth the same amount
Compare with Definitions
Corresponding
Occupying a similar or complementary position.
The corresponding angles in these triangles are equal.
Equivalent
Comparable in function, though not identical.
The mobile app is equivalent to the desktop version in features.
Corresponding
Mirroring in terms of role or relationship.
The corresponding increase in demand and supply stabilized prices.
Equivalent
Interchangeable or capable of substituting for another.
Generic drugs are often equivalent to brand-name versions.
Corresponding
Related or connected in nature.
Corresponding laws in different states aim to address the same issue.
Equivalent
Having the same mathematical value or expression.
2/4 is equivalent to 1/2 in its simplest form.
Corresponding
Matching or analogous in character, form, or function.
The corresponding secretary handles communication with members.
Equivalent
Equal in terms of outcome or result.
Online courses can be equivalent to traditional classroom education in quality.
Corresponding
Engaging in direct communication.
She is my corresponding partner in the research project.
Equivalent
Equal in value, measure, force, effect, or significance.
One kilometer is equivalent to approximately 0.6214 miles.
Corresponding
Having the same or nearly the same relationship.
Equivalent
Equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.
One unit is equivalent to one glass of wine
Corresponding
Accompanying another
A high corporate position and its corresponding problems.
Equivalent
A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.
The French equivalent of the Bank of England
Corresponding
Having been assigned the responsibility of written communications
A corresponding secretary.
Equivalent
The mass of a particular substance that can combine with or displace one gram of hydrogen or eight grams of oxygen, used in expressing combining powers, especially of elements.
Corresponding
Participating at a distance from the rest of a group
A corresponding member of the bar association.
Equivalent
Equal, as in value, force, or meaning.
Corresponding
Present participle of correspond
Equivalent
Having similar or identical effects.
Corresponding
A correspondence; the situation where things correspond or match.
Equivalent
Being essentially equal, all things considered
A wish that was equivalent to a command.
Corresponding
That have a similar relationship
Equivalent
Capable of being put into a one-to-one relationship. Used of two sets.
Corresponding
Answering; conformable; agreeing; suiting; as, corresponding numbers.
Equivalent
Having virtually identical or corresponding parts.
Corresponding
Carrying on intercourse by letters.
Equivalent
Of or relating to corresponding elements under an equivalence relation.
Corresponding
Accompanying;
All rights carry with them corresponding responsibilities
Equivalent
(Chemistry) Having the same ability to combine.
Corresponding
Similar especially in position or purpose;
A number of corresponding diagonal points
Equivalent
(Logic) Having equivalence
Equivalent propositions.
Corresponding
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Equivalent
Something that is essentially equal to another
"The hand is not the biological equivalent of a hammer or a screwdriver.
The hand is a multipurpose tool like a Swiss Army knife" (Jonathan Gottschall).
Corresponding
Agreeing in amount, magnitude, or degree;
The figures are large but the corresponding totals next year will be larger
Equivalent
(Chemistry) Equivalent weight.
Equivalent
Similar or identical in value, meaning or effect; virtually equal.
To burn calories, a thirty-minute jog is equivalent to a couple of hamburgers.
Equivalent
(mathematics) Of two sets, having a one-to-one correspondence.
Equivalent
(mathematics) Relating to the corresponding elements of an equivalence relation.
Equivalent
(chemistry) Having the equal ability to combine.
Equivalent
(cartography) Of a map, equal-area.
Equivalent
(geometry) Equal in measure but not admitting of superposition; applied to magnitudes.
A square may be equivalent to a triangle.
Equivalent
Anything that is virtually equal to something else, or has the same value, force, etc.
Equivalent
(chemistry) An equivalent weight.
Equivalent
(transitive) To make equivalent to; to equal.
Equivalent
Equal in worth or value, force, power, effect, import, and the like; alike in significance and value; of the same import or meaning.
For now to serve and to minister, servile and ministerial, are terms equivalent.
Equivalent
Equal in measure but not admitting of superposition; - applied to magnitudes; as, a square may be equivalent to a triangle.
Equivalent
Contemporaneous in origin; as, the equivalent strata of different countries.
Equivalent
Something equivalent; that which is equal in value, worth, weight, or force; as, to offer an equivalent for damage done.
He owned that, if the Test Act were repealed, the Protestants were entitled to some equivalent. . . . During some weeks the word equivalent, then lately imported from France, was in the mouths of all the coffeehouse orators.
Equivalent
That comparative quantity by weight of an element which possesses the same chemical value as other elements, as determined by actual experiment and reference to the same standard. Specifically: (a) The comparative proportions by which one element replaces another in any particular compound; thus, as zinc replaces hydrogen in hydrochloric acid, their equivalents are 32.5 and 1. (b) The combining proportion by weight of a substance, or the number expressing this proportion, in any particular compound; as, the equivalents of hydrogen and oxygen in water are respectively 1 and 8, and in hydric dioxide 1 and 16.
Equivalent
A combining unit, whether an atom, a radical, or a molecule; as, in acid salt two or more equivalents of acid unite with one or more equivalents of base.
Equivalent
To make the equivalent to; to equal; equivalence.
Equivalent
A person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc;
Send two dollars or the equivalent in stamps
Equivalent
The atomic weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a given weight of another element; the standard is 8 for oxygen
Equivalent
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Equivalent
Being essentially equal to something;
It was as good as gold
A wish that was equivalent to a command
His statement was tantamount to an admission of guilt
Common Curiosities
What defines corresponding elements in geometry?
Elements that are in similar positions or roles in geometric figures, indicating a relational match.
Can two items be both corresponding and equivalent?
Yes, in some contexts, items can be both relationally aligned (corresponding) and equal in value or function (equivalent).
Can legal documents have corresponding and equivalent sections?
Yes, sections can correspond by relating to similar subjects across documents, and be equivalent if they serve the same legal purpose or effect.
How do equivalent units simplify measurements?
By allowing different measures to be converted into each other based on equal value, facilitating comparison and calculation.
How does the concept of equivalence impact educational credentials?
It allows credentials from different education systems to be recognized as having equal standing or value.
Why are corresponding positions important in organizations?
They facilitate structured communication and responsibilities within and between organizations.
How do corresponding parts in machinery contribute to its function?
They ensure that components fit or work together in a complementary manner, crucial for the machinery’s operation.
What is the significance of corresponding authors in research papers?
They are the point of contact for all communications related to the paper, indicating a specific relational role.
What role do equivalent values play in currency exchange?
They determine the amount of one currency that can be exchanged for another, based on equal worth.
How are corresponding and equivalent concepts used in computing?
Corresponding components may be related by their role in a system, while equivalent components may perform the same function or produce the same output despite differing in design.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
