equalise

Everyday

1. To equalise means to make things equal or the same in size, amount or level. tree →
2. (UK sport) To equalise means to score a goal that makes the score level. tree →

In the lessons

In maths it means making two amounts equal, for example moving counters from one pile to another. In football commentary in the UK, Ireland and Australia an equaliser is a goal that levels the score. Phrases: «equalise the pressure», «late equaliser».

Examples

• They equalised in the last minute! tree →
• One pile has 10 and the other 4; move 3 to equalise them. tree →
• Swallowing helps equalise the pressure in your ears on a plane. tree →
• The striker scored the equaliser. tree →
• The teacher equalised the teams by moving two players. tree →
• We equalised the water in both glasses. tree →

Note

Spelling: UK -ise, US -ize. Noun: equaliser (the goal), equalisation. Maths: to equalise two groups, give half the difference from the bigger to the smaller.