Equates

To consider or treat two or more things as equivalent or of the same value or importance. It implies establishing a relationship of similarity or correspondence between them, often for the purpose of making comparisons, drawing conclusions, or simplifying complex concepts. Equating involves identifying points of commonality and suggesting a measurable or conceptual connection. It can occur across various domains, from mathematics and science to philosophy and everyday language, highlighting similarities or defining relationships between things. The term can also extend to a perceived identity. One may equate their own happiness to an acquisition or equate a person to another with certain known similarities. It often highlights a judgment or comparison, rather than being a statement of fact.

Equates meaning with examples

• The economist equates a strong stock market with economic health, noting that when consumer confidence is high, investment increases and businesses thrive. He uses statistical data to support his claims of market movement reflecting overall societal wellbeing. However, a critic says the market is but one factor among others, ignoring the negative impacts of corporate greed or economic volatility. It's an oversimplification, they contend.
• Many history books *equate* the fall of the Roman Empire with societal decay and corruption. They describe how internal conflicts and external invasions combined to weaken the empire and it gradually collapsed. This simplified narrative highlights moral decline but omits the economic hardship, which has prompted historians to offer newer takes that better account for the variety of factors. This offers a more complex interpretation, one that acknowledges both societal and systemic elements.
• The author equates love with a feeling of selfless dedication, describing the actions of a parent as indicative of true love for their child. They weave stories that show how far the parent will go to provide protection. Critics might counter by saying that love is an infinitely variable feeling with various manifestations, and the author's definition is too narrowly defined, leaving out platonic loves. This simplification does not fully encompass its true magnitude or scope.
• In the realm of marketing, the advertising campaign equates brand recognition with success, asserting that customers prefer familiar products and services. The campaign strategically used celebrity endorsement. However, analysts argue that factors like product quality and affordability matter more, meaning that customer retention does not necessarily indicate financial health and is often a misrepresentation. It may create the impression of market share without creating actual profitability.