Same vs. Equal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
"Same" refers to identical nature or identity, often used when two or more items are indistinguishable. "Equal" indicates equivalence in value, quantity, or measure, applied in more abstract or mathematical contexts.
Difference Between Same and Equal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Same" is used to describe two or more entities that share identical characteristics or are considered indistinguishable in their essence or identity. This term emphasizes a complete likeness in nature or form. Whereas "equal" refers to the concept of equivalence in terms of quantity, value, quality, or measure, suggesting that while two entities may differ in specific characteristics, they are comparable in value or function.
In conversation, saying two objects are the "same" implies a stronger level of similarity, potentially down to physical appearance or identity. On the other hand, describing two objects as "equal" often involves a comparison of their value, function, or position, without implying that they share a complete likeness or are identical in every aspect.
The concept of being the "same" can apply to tangible items, such as two identical cars from the same manufacturing line, indicating no discernible difference to an observer. Conversely, "equal" is frequently used in mathematics and abstract reasoning, such as when two mathematical expressions yield the same result, or when rights and opportunities are distributed evenly among members of a society, despite their inherent differences.
While "same" often requires a context where the entities compared share a common identity or are exactly alike in every observable way, "equal" allows for the existence of differences but asserts a parity in certain respects or dimensions. For example, two employees may have different roles but be considered equal in terms of job importance or salary.
Both "same" and "equal" play crucial roles in various fields, including logic, mathematics, law, and ethics. However, their usage reveals different underlying assumptions about the nature of the comparison being made. "Same" asserts a shared identity, while "equal" emphasizes a balanced relationship or equivalence, despite possible differences.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Identical nature or identity.
Equivalence in value, quantity, or measure.
Context
Often tangible, observable similarities.
More abstract, mathematical, or value-based comparisons.
Implication
Complete likeness or indistinguishability.
Comparative value or function, allowing for inherent differences.
Usage Examples
Identical twins, same product models.
Equal rights, mathematical equality.
Fields of Relevance
General conversation, logic, identity.
Mathematics, ethics, law, social justice.
Compare with Definitions
Same
Identical or not different.
She and I bought the same dress.
Equal
Of the same measure, quantity, or value.
Both sections of the class have an equal number of students.
Same
Denoting shared identity.
They have the same goals.
Equal
Signifying fairness or justice.
Every team member is treated as an equal.
Same
Referring to a specific identical item.
I ordered the same meal as yesterday.
Equal
Indicating balanced distribution.
The prize money was divided equally among the winners.
Same
Exactly alike without any difference.
The two copies were the same in every detail.
Equal
Demonstrating equivalence or parity.
The two sides of the equation are equal.
Same
Used to emphasize an unchanging state.
Even after years, their friendship remained the same.
Equal
Used in comparisons of capability or status.
They are equal in their expertise.
Same
Being the very one; identical
The same boat we rented before.
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
Same
Similar in kind, quality, quantity, or degree
The ceremony went off with the same elegance that it has had every year.
Equal
Having the ability or resources to meet (a challenge)
The players proved equal to the task
Same
Conforming in every detail
According to the same rules as before.
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
Same
Being the one previously mentioned or indicated; aforesaid
"There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon.
And the same man was just and devout" (King James Bible).
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
Same
In the same way
The words sale and sail are pronounced the same.
Equal
Having the same quantity, measure, or value as another.
Same
Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; identical.
I realised I was the same age as my grandfather had been when he joined the air force.
Even if the twins are identical, they are still not the same person, unlike Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens.
Peter and Anna went to the same high school: the high school to which Peter went is the high school to which Anna went.
Equal
(Mathematics) Being the same or identical to in value.
Same
Lacking variety from; indistinguishable.
Equal
Having the same privileges, status, or rights
Citizens equal before the law.
Same
Similar, alike.
You have the same hair I do!
Equal
Being the same for all members of a group
Gave every player an equal chance to win.
Same
Used to express the unity of an object or person which has various different descriptions or qualities.
Round here it can be cloudy and sunny even in the same day.
We were all going in the same direction.
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).
Same
A reply of confirmation of identity.
Equal
Similar to or the same as another, as in ability
As the playoffs began, the teams were considered roughly equal.
Same
(used with the) The same way; in the same manner; to the same extent, equally.
A mother loves all her children the same.
My hometown looked much the same as when I'd left 10 years ago.
It took all night to find our hotel room, as we forgot our room number and each door looked the same.
Equal
One that is equal to another
These two models are equals in computing power.
Same
Together.
Equal
To be equal to, especially in value.
Same
The identical thing, ditto.
The same can be said of him.
It's the same everywhere.
Equal
To do, make, or produce something equal to
Equaled the world record in the mile run.
Same
Something similar, something of the identical type.
She's having apple pie? I'll have the same.
You two are just the same.
Equal
(not comparable) The same in all respects.
Equal conditions should produce equal results.
All men are created equal.
Same
It or them, without a connotation of similarity.
The question is his credibility or lack of same.
Equal
Exactly identical, having the same value.
All right angles are equal.
Same
It or them, as above, meaning the last object mentioned, mainly as complement: on the same, for the same.
My picture/photography blog...kindly give me your reviews on the same.
Equal
(obsolete) Fair, impartial.
Same
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
Equal
(comparable) Adequate; sufficiently capable or qualified.
This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.
Same
Not different or other; not another or others; identical; unchanged.
Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Equal
(obsolete) Not variable; equable; uniform; even.
An equal movement
Same
Of like kind, species, sort, dimensions, or the like; not differing in character or in the quality or qualities compared; corresponding; not discordant; similar; like.
The ethereal vigor is in all the same.
Equal
(music) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; not mixed.
Same
Same in identity;
The same man I saw yesterday
Never wore the same dress twice
This road is the same one we were on yesterday
On the same side of the street
Equal
To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.
Two plus two equals four.
Same
Closely similar or comparable in kind or quality or quantity or degree;
Curtains the same color as the walls
Two girls of the same age
Mother and son have the same blue eyes
Animals of the same species
The same rules as before
Two boxes having the same dimensions
The same day next year
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.
Same
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
(informal) To have as its consequence.
Losing this deal equals losing your job.
Might does not equal right.
Same
Unchanged in character or nature;
The village stayed the same
His attitude is the same as ever
Equal
A person or thing of equal status to others.
We're all equals here.
This beer has no equal.
Same
In the same manner;
You get treated fairly, same as any other student in this course!
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
Common Curiosities
Can two things be equal but not the same?
Yes, two things can be equal in terms of value or function but differ in other characteristics, meaning they are not exactly the same.
Is "same" more specific than "equal"?
Yes, "same" is often used to denote a stronger level of similarity or identical nature, while "equal" suggests parity in certain respects despite possible differences.
How does equal differ from the same?
Equal refers to equivalence in value, quantity, or measure, allowing for differences in specific characteristics, whereas the same implies complete likeness or identity.
How are "same" and "equal" used in mathematics?
In mathematics, "same" could refer to identical equations or shapes, while "equal" is used to describe equivalent values or outcomes.
Can people be treated as equals without being the same?
Yes, people can be treated with equal respect, rights, and opportunities without having the same characteristics, background, or beliefs.
What is an example of being the same in everyday context?
Two people wearing the same model of shoes bought from the same store.
What is an example of equality in a societal context?
Laws that ensure all citizens have equal rights and access to services regardless of their background.
Why is the distinction between same and equal important?
Understanding the distinction helps clarify communications and expectations in relationships, law, ethics, and various fields of study.
What role does equality play in education?
It ensures that all students have equal access to educational resources and opportunities, regardless of their differences.
How do laws address sameness and equality?
Laws aim to treat individuals equally, providing the same rights and protections, while recognizing and respecting differences.
What does it mean when two things are the same?
When two things are the same, they are identical or indistinguishable in their characteristics or identity.
How do "same" and "equal" relate to fairness?
Both concepts are integral to fairness, with "same" focusing on identical treatment or conditions, and "equal" emphasizing balance and equivalence in treatment or opportunity.
Can the same objects be considered equal?
Yes, if they are identical, they are inherently equal in all compared aspects, but the term "equal" is usually applied in contexts emphasizing value or function over identity.
What is a practical example where "same" and "equal" are confused?
In debates over equal pay, where individuals may perform different jobs but seek equality in terms of compensation, not implying their roles are the same.
How do different cultures view sameness and equality?
Cultural perceptions vary, with some emphasizing individual uniqueness within a framework of societal equality, while others may stress communal identity or sameness.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited 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.
