equitable
equitable Lexical Profile
equitable Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Fair, impartial, and reasonable toward all parties involved.
"The mediators worked tirelessly to reach an equitable settlement for all employees."
Valid in or relating to the legal system of equity, as distinguished from strict common or statutory law.
"Because monetary damages were insufficient, the plaintiff sought an equitable remedy from the court."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Equitable' is frequently distinguished from 'equal': while 'equal' means giving everyone the exact same amount or treatment, 'equitable' means distributing resources or treatment fairly according to individual needs and circumstances.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Middle French 'équitable', derived from 'équité' (equity), ultimately from the Latin 'aequitas' (evenness, fairness, justice), from 'aequus' (even, level, fair).