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equalize

B2
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈiːkwəlˌaɪz/

US

  • /ˈikwəˌlaɪz/

Description

Imagine two teams in a race, but one gets a head start. To equalize the competition, you might give the slower team a boost - bringing them to the same level as the others. That is what it means to equalize: to make things equal or fair. It is about reducing differences and creating balance. You can equalize scores in a game, opportunities for people, or even pressure within a system. A skilled negotiator might try to equalize the terms of an agreement so both sides feel satisfied.

Examples

  1. 1

    Air travel

    Chewing gum can help equalize the pressure in your ears during takeoff.

  2. 2

    Education funding

    The new funding formula aims to equalize resources between rich and poor school districts.

  3. 3

    Audio setup

    We adjusted the speakers to equalize the sound across the room.

  4. 4

    Sports score

    The home team equalized in the 78th minute.

    • Meaning

      equalize

      score and make the game level again

See also

verbmake things equal in amount, level, status, or score

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • equalize the score
  • equalize opportunities
  • equalize pressure
  • equalize payments

Word family

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Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • equalizeverb

Forms

  • equalizedpast tenseverb
  • equalizing-ing formverb
  • equalizesverb