equalize

IPA/ˈiːkwəlaɪz/
KK[ˈikwəlˌaɪz]IPA/ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

equalize — verb

  • equalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • equalizeshe / she / it
  • equalizedpast simple
  • equalizing-ing form

1. to make two or more things the same in size, amount, value, or level, especially

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make two or more things the same in size, amount, value, or level, especially when one was previously different from the other

例句

The new policy aims to equalize pay for women and men working in similar roles.

equalize + noun for differences between groups

Hassan equalized the two batches of paint by adding more water to the darker one.

equalize + direct object + by + gerund

同義詞
  • balance

    more common in everyday use; 'balance' often implies adjusting two opposing sides, while 'equalize' suggests removing a difference

  • even out

    more informal; 'even out' is preferred in casual spoken English for gradual adjustments

  • level

    emphasises making surfaces or playing fields flat; 'level the playing field' is a set phrase

反義詞
  • unbalance

    to make unequal or uneven

  • differ

    to be different rather than the same

文法句型

equalize + noun phrase

equalize + noun phrase + between + plural noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used in formal contexts such as policy, economics, or resource distribution. The direct object is typically a plural concept — pay, opportunities, sizes, workloads — not a single entity.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher equalized the two students.
✅The teacher equalized the scores of the two students.
💡'equalize' usually describes making things equal (scores, amounts), not making people equal.
❌I equalized my coffee and tea.
✅I mixed coffee and tea so they tasted the same.
💡'equalize' is rarely used for everyday mixing of food or drink; 'make the same' or 'balance' sounds more natural.

2. to earn a point that brings your team level with the opposing side during a spor

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to earn a point that brings your team level with the opposing side during a sports match

例句

Mira equalized in the 85th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box.

equalize + in + [time period]

The striker equalized for his team just before halftime, making the score 2–2.

equalize for + team

同義詞
  • tie

    more common in American English; 'tie the game' is preferred over 'equalize' in US sports contexts

  • level the score

    a phrasal expression used in both British and American English

  • even up

    informal; common in spoken sports commentary

反義詞

文法句型

equalize + for + team/person

用法筆記

This sense is most common in British English sports commentary (football, hockey, etc.). In American English, 'tie the game' or 'even the score' is preferred. Cannot be used passively: ❌ 'A goal was equalized.'

常見錯誤

❌The team equalized the opponent's goal.
✅The team equalized with a goal of their own.
💡'equalize' is intransitive in this sense; you don't 'equalize something,' you just 'equalize.'
❌They equalized the game 3–3.
✅They equalized to make the score 3
💡3.' — 'equalize' already means making the score tied; adding 'the game' is redundant.