Equal vs. Identical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Equal denotes the same in quantity, degree, or value, while Identical refers to being exactly the same in every detail; twins can be equal in age but identical in appearance.
Difference Between Equal and Identical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Equal and Identical are terms often used to describe similarity or sameness, but they carry distinct nuances. Equal emphasizes sameness in measurement, value, or quantity. For instance, two people might be equal in height, meaning they stand at the same measurement. On the other hand, Identical underscores exactness in every detail, suggesting a replication or clone.
Using Equal might refer to the parity or equivalence between two entities. Two slices of cake can be equal in size, signifying that they have the same amount of cake. However, they might not be identical, as one could be chocolate and the other vanilla. Identical goes beyond just equivalence; it delves into uniformity in all aspects.
In mathematics, Equal is a term frequently encountered, denoting that two values are the same. For example, 5 + 5 is equal to 10. Identical, in more everyday scenarios, might refer to things that are indistinguishable from each other, such as identical twins who look precisely alike.
It's crucial to understand the depth of sameness each term implies. While Equal can be used to describe entities that have the same value, amount, or measure, Identical is reserved for situations where entities are alike in every conceivable detail.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Same in value, measure, or quantity.
Exactly the same in all details.
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Application
Often used in mathematics or when comparing quantities.
Used to describe things indistinguishable from each other.
Depth of Sameness
Indicates equivalence.
Indicates uniformity in every aspect.
Examples
Equal pay, equal parts.
Identical twins, identical copies.
Nature
Relative sameness.
Absolute sameness.
Compare with Definitions
Equal
Having the same rights or status.
All citizens are equal under the law.
Identical
Having properties or characteristics that cannot be distinguished.
The molecules are identical in structure.
Equal
Adequate or sufficient in ability or quality.
He's equal to the task at hand.
Identical
Being the same in all respects.
The twins have identical personalities.
Equal
Impartial or even-handed.
Justice must be equal and unbiased.
Identical
Being the exact same entity.
This is the identical tool I lost last week.
Equal
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value
1 litre is roughly equal to 1 quart
Add equal amounts of water and flour
Identical
Unvarying and uniform.
All the rows in the field were planted in identical fashion.
Equal
Having the ability or resources to meet (a challenge)
The players proved equal to the task
Identical
Exactly alike, without any difference.
The two dresses are identical in design.
Equal
A person or thing that is the same as another in status or quality
Entertainment facilities without equal in the British Isles
We all treat each other as equals
Identical
Being the same
Another orator who used the senator's identical words.
Equal
Be the same as in number or amount
The total debits should equal the total credits
Four plus six divided by two equals five
Identical
Exactly equal and alike
Your car is identical to mine. Are the fingerprints at the crime scene identical with those of the accused?.
Equal
Having the same quantity, measure, or value as another.
Identical
(Biology) Of or relating to a twin or twins developed from the same fertilized ovum and having the same genetic makeup and closely similar appearance; monozygotic.
Equal
(Mathematics) Being the same or identical to in value.
Identical
(not comparable) Bearing full likeness by having precisely the same set of characteristics; indistinguishable.
Equal
Having the same privileges, status, or rights
Citizens equal before the law.
Identical
(not comparable) Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; numerically identical.
Equal
Being the same for all members of a group
Gave every player an equal chance to win.
Identical
Of twins, sharing the same genetic code.
Equal
Having the requisite qualities, such as strength or ability, for a task or situation
"Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene" (Jane Austen).
Identical
Exactly equivalent.
Equal
Similar to or the same as another, as in ability
As the playoffs began, the teams were considered roughly equal.
Identical
Approximating or approaching exact equivalence.
Equal
One that is equal to another
These two models are equals in computing power.
Identical
Something which has exactly the same properties as something else.
Equal
To be equal to, especially in value.
Identical
An identical twin.
Equal
To do, make, or produce something equal to
Equaled the world record in the mile run.
Identical
The same; the selfsame; the very same; not different; as, the identical person or thing.
I can not remember a thing that happened a year ago, without a conviction . . . that I, the same identical person who now remember that event, did then exist.
Equal
(not comparable) The same in all respects.
Equal conditions should produce equal results.
All men are created equal.
Identical
Uttering sameness or the same truth; expressing in the predicate what is given, or obviously implied, in the subject; tautological.
When you say body is solid, I say that you make an identical proposition, because it is impossible to have the idea of body without that of solidity.
Equal
Exactly identical, having the same value.
All right angles are equal.
Identical
Exactly alike; incapable of being perceived as different;
Rows of identical houses
Cars identical except for their license plates
They wore indistinguishable hats
Equal
(obsolete) Fair, impartial.
Identical
Being the exact same one; not any other:;
This is the identical room we stayed in before
The themes of his stories are one and the same
Saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
On this very spot
The very thing he said yesterday
The very man I want to see
Equal
(comparable) Adequate; sufficiently capable or qualified.
This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.
Identical
(of twins) derived from a single egg or ovum;
Identical twins are monovular
Equal
(obsolete) Not variable; equable; uniform; even.
An equal movement
Identical
Having properties with uniform values along all axes
Equal
(music) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; not mixed.
Identical
Coinciding exactly when superimposed;
Identical triangles
Equal
To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.
Two plus two equals four.
Equal
(transitive) To make equivalent to; to cause to match.
David equaled the water levels of the bottles, so they now both contain exactly 1 liter.
Equal
(informal) To have as its consequence.
Losing this deal equals losing your job.
Might does not equal right.
Equal
A person or thing of equal status to others.
We're all equals here.
This beer has no equal.
Equal
(obsolete) State of being equal; equality.
Equal
Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; - applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc. ; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value.
Equal
Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task.
The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English.
It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit.
Whose voice an equal messengerConveyed thy meaning mild.
Equal
Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement.
Equal
Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just.
Are not my ways equal?
Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem.
Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise.
Equal
Of the same interest or concern; indifferent.
They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me.
Equal
Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; - opposed to mixed.
Equal
Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.
Equal
One not inferior or superior to another; one having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, or other quality or condition; an equal quantity or number; as, "If equals be taken from equals the remainders are equal."
Those who were once his equals envy and defame him.
Equal
State of being equal; equality.
Equal
To be or become equal to; to have the same quantity, the same value, the same degree or rank, or the like, with; to be commen urate with.
On me whose all not equals Edward's moiety.
Equal
To make equal return to; to recompense fully.
Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love.
Equal
To make equal or equal to; to equalize; hence, to compare or regard as equals; to put on equality.
He would not equal the mind that he found in himself to the infinite and incomprehensible.
Equal
A person who is of equal standing with another in a group
Equal
Be identical or equivalent to;
One dollar equals 1,000 rubles these days!
Equal
Be equal to in quality or ability;
Nothing can rival cotton for durability
Your performance doesn't even touch that of your colleagues
Her persistence and ambition only matches that of her parents
Equal
Make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching;
Let's equalize the duties among all employees in this office
The company matched the discount policy of its competitors
Equal
Well matched; having the same quantity, value, or measure as another;
On equal terms
All men are equal before the law
Equal
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
Equal
Having the same value, measure, or quantity as another.
They both received equal shares of the pie.
Equal
Balanced or harmonious in relation.
The teams were of equal strength.
Common Curiosities
Can two products be equal in quality but not identical?
Yes, two products can be of equal quality but differ in design, making them not identical.
What's the term for twins that look alike?
Twins that look alike are called "identical twins".
Is it correct to say "equal twins"?
Typically, the term "identical twins" is used. "Equal twins" is not a standard phrase.
In what context might you use "equal" over "identical"?
"Equal" is used when discussing rights, measurements, or value, like "equal pay" or "equal parts".
Can two items be identically equal?
The phrase is redundant. While it can be understood, it's better to use one term based on the context.
Does equal always imply fairness?
Not necessarily. Equal denotes sameness in measure or value, but fairness is a more complex, subjective concept.
Are Equal and Identical synonyms?
While similar, they're not exact synonyms. Equal implies sameness in value or measure, while Identical means being the same in every detail.
In mathematics, is "identical to" the same as "equal to"?
In everyday math, "equal to" is more common. "Identical" might be used in advanced topics to emphasize exactness.
Can people be identical in age?
People can be equal in age, meaning they have lived the same number of years, but they can't be identical in age.
Is "identical" only used to describe appearance?
No, "identical" can describe any aspect that is the same in every detail, not just appearance.
Are "equally" and "identically" adverbs of "equal" and "identical"?
Yes, "equally" describes doing something in an equal manner, while "identically" describes doing something in an identical manner.
Can two things be identical in one aspect but not others?
Yes, for example, two shirts might be identical in color but different in size.
In science, are equal and identical used differently?
Yes, "equal" might refer to measured quantities, while "identical" might describe things that are indistinguishable in every aspect.
Is "equal" more about comparison and "identical" about sameness?
Yes, "equal" often involves comparing two entities, while "identical" emphasizes absolute sameness.
Can two things be nearly identical?
Yes, "nearly identical" suggests they're very similar but might have slight differences.
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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.
