1.
equivalence; equal value; parity
The state of being equal in value, worth, or effect. Used in technical, economic, and academic contexts to express that two things are equivalent.
等価交換の原則。
The principle of equivalent exchange.
この二つの方法は等価だ。
These two methods are equivalent.
物理学では質量とエネルギーが等価であることが証明されている。
In physics, it has been proven that mass and energy are equivalent.
Composed of 等 (equal) + 価 (value, price). A formal, often technical term for equivalence.
USAGE:
等価 appears in scientific, economic, and philosophical contexts. It can function as a noun (等価を求める = to seek equivalence) or as an adjective-like modifier (等価な = equivalent). It is particularly well-known from the concept of 等価交換 (equivalent exchange), familiar to many from physics and from the manga/anime series Fullmetal Alchemist.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 等価交換: equivalent exchange
- 等価回路: equivalent circuit (electronics)
- 等価原理: equivalence principle (physics)
- 等価変換: equivalent transformation
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 同等: equal, equivalent — more general and less technical; emphasizes being on the same level
- 対等: equal, on equal terms — emphasizes equal standing in a relationship or negotiation
- 相当: equivalent, corresponding — implies rough equivalence or correspondence rather than exact equality