Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In equal amounts, shares, or portions: Used to indicate that something is divided, distributed, or shared without bias or difference in quantity.
   • To the same degree or extent: Used to indicate that two or more things have an identical level of a particular quality, characteristic, or effect.

Usage

• Equally is used to show that two or more parts, people, or things are treated the same or have the same amount of something. It often modifies verbs (like , , ) or adjectives when comparing qualities.
• It can be used in the structure "equally as [adjective/adverb]" or "as [adjective/adverb] as" to make comparisons, though "equally" alone before the adjective is also common.

Examples

• Dividing or sharing:
  • The prize money was divided equally among the five winners.
  • Parents should love their children equally.
• Comparing degree or quality:
  • Both candidates are equally qualified for the position.
  • The two arguments are equally convincing.
• With "as" for comparison:
  • This task is equally as important as that one.
  • She sings equally as well as a professional.

Advanced Usage

• "Equally important": A common phrase used to introduce a point of similar significance.
  • Regular exercise is important; equally important is a balanced diet.
• "Equally likely": Used in probability and statistics to indicate the same chance.
  • When flipping a fair coin, heads and tails are equally likely.

Variants and Related Words

• Equal (adjective): Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
  • All members have equal rights.
• Equality (noun): The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.
  • The organization fights for gender equality.
• Equalize (verb): To make things equal or uniform.
  • The government aims to equalize educational opportunities.

Synonyms

• Evenly: In a balanced, equal, or uniform manner.
  • Spread the frosting evenly on the cake.
• Impartially: In a fair and unbiased way.
  • The judge must consider the case impartially.
• Uniformly: In a consistent and unchanging manner; evenly.
  • The heat was applied uniformly across the surface.

Related Phrases

• Share and share alike: An idiom meaning to share things equally.
  • In this house, we believe in share and share alike.
• On a par with: An idiom meaning equal to someone or something in quality or importance.
  • His latest novel is on a par with his greatest works.

Adverb

1. in equal amounts or shares; in a balanced or impartial way
   • a class evenly divided between girls and boys
   • they split their winnings equally
   • deal equally with rich and poor
2. to the same degree (often followed by `as')
   • they were equally beautiful
   • birds were singing and the child sang as sweetly
   • sang as sweetly as a nightingale
   • he is every bit as mean as she is