Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To make things equal or uniform in quantity, size, value, or status.
   • To bring a score or level to the same point as another; to tie in a game or contest.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become equal.
   • (In sports) To score a goal or point that makes the score level.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "equalize" requires a direct object (what is being made equal).
• As an intransitive verb, it describes the state or action of becoming equal, often used in sports contexts.

Examples

• Transitive Verb:
  • The new policy aims to equalize opportunities for all students.
  • The government introduced a tax to equalize the distribution of wealth.
• Intransitive Verb (often in sports):
  • The striker equalized in the 89th minute, making the score 2-2.
  • After the second period, the teams had equalized.

Advanced Usage

• "to equalize pressure": To make pressure the same in different areas or systems.
  • The valve opens to equalize pressure between the two chambers.
• "to equalize a sound system": To adjust audio frequencies to achieve a balanced output.
  • The technician will equalize the speakers before the concert.

Variants and Related Words

• Equalization (noun): The process of making things equal.
  • The equalization of income was a key goal of the policy.
• Equalizer (noun):
  • A device that balances or adjusts levels (e.g., a graphic equalizer for sound).
  • (Informal, sports) A goal, run, or point that ties the score.
• Equal (adjective/noun/verb): The root word meaning "the same in quantity, size, degree, or value."

Synonyms

• Balance: To bring into or keep in equilibrium.
• Level: To make something flat, even, or equal.
• Match: To correspond or be equal to something.
• Standardize: To cause to conform to a standard.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Equalize" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained in the single word.)

Related Idioms

• "To level the playing field": This idiom is conceptually related to "equalize," meaning to create a situation where everyone has the same opportunities.
  • The scholarship program helps to level the playing field for students from low-income families.

Verb

1. 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
2. compensate; make the score equal