equal

Where does the word "equal" come from? It comes from Latin aequus, passing through Latin before entering English (1300s).

Equal’s story begins in Latin: aequus meant “equal, even, fair.” The root of 'equity', 'equation' and 'equator'. Within Latin, it grew into aequalis by ancient. Equal, uniform, from aequus. It reached English by 1300s as equal. Settled as the English word for something the same in size, amount, or value. Today, equal means the same in size, amount, value, status, or rights as another.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient aequus "equal, even, fair", the root of 'equity', 'equation' and 'equator'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient aequalis "equal, uniform", equal, uniform, from aequus.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s equal "the same in size, amount, value, or status", settled as the English word for something the same in size, amount, or value.