Definition

1. Noun:
   • Fairness and impartiality: The quality of being fair, just, and impartial, especially in the administration of law or the treatment of people.
   • Ownership interest: The value of shares issued by a company; the ownership interest of shareholders in a corporation's assets after all debts and liabilities have been paid.
   • Net asset value: The difference between the market value of a property (like a home) and the amount of money still owed on the mortgage or other claims against it.
   • (Legal system): A branch of law that developed alongside common law to provide remedies based on fairness and justice when common law was too rigid or offered no solution.

Examples of Usage

• Fairness and impartiality:
  • The principle of equity demands that everyone be treated equally under the law.
  • They argued for greater pay equity between men and women performing the same job.
• Ownership interest:
  • The founders retained a 60% equity stake in the company after the investment.
  • Private equity firms invest in companies not listed on the public stock exchange.
• Net asset value:
  • After years of mortgage payments, they have built up significant equity in their house.
  • The homeowner used the equity in her property to secure a loan for home improvements.

Advanced Usage

• "Equity of redemption" (Legal): The right of a borrower to reclaim property after a foreclosure by paying the full debt, interest, and costs before the property is sold.
• "Sweat equity": An increase in a property's value or a business's worth created directly from the owner's labor or effort, rather than from capital investment.
  • They contributed sweat equity by renovating the old building themselves.
• "Brand equity" (Marketing): The commercial value derived from consumer perception of a brand name, as opposed to the product itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Equitable (adj): Fair, just, and impartial.
  • The judge sought an equitable solution for both parties.
• Inequity (n): Lack of fairness or justice.
  • The report highlighted social inequities in access to healthcare.

Synonyms

• Fairness: Impartial and just treatment.
• Justice: Just behavior or treatment; the quality of being fair and reasonable.
• Impartiality: Equal treatment of all rivals or disputants; fairness.
• Stake: A share or interest in a business, situation, or system.

Related Phrases

• "In equity" (Legal phrase): According to the principles of equity law.
  • The court ruled in equity, granting an injunction to prevent further harm.
• "Equity financing": Raising capital by selling shares of a company.
• "Return on equity (ROE)": A measure of a corporation's profitability, calculated as net income divided by shareholders' equity.

Related Idioms

• "A level playing field": A situation in which everyone has a fair and equal chance to succeed. (This idiom expresses the of equity).
  • The new regulations aim to create a level playing field for all competitors.

Noun

1. conformity with rules or standards
   • the judge recognized the fairness of my claim
2. the ownership interest of shareholders in a corporation
3. the difference between the market value of a property and the claims held against it