How to pronounce equal
Say it like EE-kwul. Equal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE).
- EE
- kwul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Equal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kwulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of equal
American and British speakers say equal in essentially the same way: /ˈikwəl/ in the US and /ˈiːkwəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: EE-kwul.
What does equal mean?
- be identical or equivalent to“One dollar equals 1,000 rubles these days!”
- be equal to in quality or ability“Nothing can rival cotton for durability”“Your performance doesn't even touch that of your colleagues”
- make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching“let's equalize the duties among all employees in this office”“The company matched the discount policy of its competitors”
- a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
- having the same quantity, value, or measure as another“on equal terms”“all men are equal before the law”
- having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task“she had adequate training”“her training was adequate”
Where does equal come from?
From Middle English equal, from Latin aequālis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with equal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of equal.
Questions about saying equal
How do you pronounce equal?
Say EE-kwul. The American pronunciation is /ˈikwəl/. In British English it is /ˈiːkwəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in equal?
Equal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EE). Broken into parts: EE · kwul.
Do Americans and Brits say equal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈikwəl/ and the British form is /ˈiːkwəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.