Equality
/iˈkwɑːlɪti/noun
The state of being equal in status, rights, or value.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin aequus, meaning “level, even, fair,” the same root behind ancient ideas of balance, justice, and making things spiritually “even.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ey-
“To be level, even, or just.”
Latin
Latin
aequus
“Level, even, fair, or just.”
Latin
Latin
aequalitas
“Equality; the state of being even or equal.”
Old French
Old French
egalite
“Equality; sameness in status or condition.”
Middle English
English
equalite
“Equality; likeness in amount, rank, or value.”
Modern English
English
equality
“The state of being equal in status, rights, or value.”