Stop Calling It an Equals! It Doesn’t Even Mean Equality

Mon, 04 May 2026 16:26:40 +0000

Stop Calling It an "Equal"—It Doesn’t Even Mean Equality In everyday conversation, the term “equal” is often used freely—dropped into sentences like “They’re equal,” “I’m equal to that,” or “It’s equal on both sides.” But while these phrases sound logical and balanced, linguistically and practically, calling something “equal” rarely carries the full weight of true equality. The word “equal” demands precision, and misusing it dilutes its meaning—especially in discussions about fairness, rights, identity, and justice. ### Why Saying “Equal” Falls Short At its core, “equal” denotes equivalent status, value, or treatment. Yet in modern usage, the term often devols into a vague, context-light descriptor rather than a formal declaration of parity. Whether used in casual dialogue, social commentary, or policy conversations, equating “equal” with literal equality can obscure deeper issues.