noun

equality

ee-KWAH-luh-tee/iˈkwɑːləti/

The state of being equal in value, rights, or standing.

The law guarantees equality for all citizens, regardless of background.

Three people of different backgrounds receive identical rights documents, equal-size cards marked RIGHTS, all stand level.

Etymology

equLatinlevel, even, fair

+alLatinrelating to

+ityLatinstate or quality

Built on the idea of being level or even, the noun first described evenness and uniformity in English. It also came to name parity in rights and privileges, treating people as having the same standing.

In context

Philosophy Vibe7:19

equality of opportunity no matter who we are how rich or poor what our background is we all have the same opportunity to succeed

Rawls - Justice and Fairness in Society

More examples

She campaigns for gender equality in the workplace.
Their partnership is based on equality and mutual respect.
The accountant checks the equality of the two totals.

Forms

equal adjective — Having the same value, rights, or standing.

equally adverb — To the same degree or extent.

Similar words

parity: Often emphasizes matching levels of pay, status, or strength.
equivalence: Emphasizes equal value or effect, rather than equal rights.