Equitable
/ˈekwɪtəbəl/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Equitable describes a situation, decision, or treatment that is fair to all people involved. It means everyone gets what is right or deserved, not necessarily the same amount, but what is fair based on their needs or contributions. It is often used when talking about fairness in laws, money, or opportunities.
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See It in Action
Fair and just treatment or distribution
- •The company made an equitable decision about worker bonuses.
- •An equitable share of the profits was given to each partner.
- •The school aims to provide equitable education to all children.
Based on what is right or deserved, not just equal amounts
- •The judge sought an equitable solution that considered everyone's situation.
- •Equitable access to healthcare means people get the care they need, not the same care for all.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "equitable" like "fair" (A1 word), but more careful about what is right for each person, not just equal for everyone
- ✓Picture a balance scale that adjusts so different weights are balanced fairly, not just equal on both sides
- ✓It's the feeling when a teacher gives help to students based on what they need, not the same help to all
- ✓Sounds like "E-QUIT-able" → imagine a fair "quit" of unfairness, stopping unfairness completely
- ✓Think of stories where a judge listens carefully and gives a fair decision, not just the same punishment or reward for all
- ✓NOT like "equal" (same amount for all), "equitable" means fair based on situation or needs
- ✓NOT like "unfair" (not right), "equitable" is the opposite, meaning just and balanced
Try Other Words
- •Fair: treating people in a right and just way (Use when fairness is simple and equal treatment is possible)
- •Just: morally right and fair (Use when emphasizing moral correctness)
- •Balanced: evenly distributed or arranged (Use when focusing on equal weight or consideration)
- •Reasonable: sensible and fair (Use when fairness is based on good judgment)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "equi-" means equal or balanced
- •Root: "table" comes from Latin "tabilis," related to able or capable of
- •Etymology: From Latin "aequitas," meaning fairness or equality
- •Historical development: Originally used in law and philosophy to mean fairness and justice
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in social, legal, and economic contexts to describe fairness that considers different needs, not just equal shares
Reflect & Connect
•How can something be equitable but not equal? Can you think of examples in your life?
•Why is it important to think about equity (fairness) instead of just equality (sameness) in society?
Fill in the blanks
1.The manager made an equitable decision by giving raises based on ___ and ___, not just the same amount for everyone.
2.Equitable treatment means understanding different ___ and providing support accordingly.
3.Unlike equal shares, equitable shares may ___ depending on each person's contribution.
4.The school works to create an equitable environment where all students have ___ access to resources.
5.An equitable solution tries to balance fairness with ___ circumstances.
6.When a law is equitable, it is ___ fair and just to all people involved.
7.We can infer that if something is equitable, it tries to avoid ___ or unfair advantages.