equity
EK-wih-tee
/ˈek.wɪ.ti/
The quality of being fair and impartial; in political and legal philosophy, adjusting rules to ensure fair outcomes according to individual needs.
Distinct from strict 'equality' because equity recognizes that different individuals require different levels of support to achieve equal outcomes.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Latin 'aequitas', meaning evenness or fairness. In English legal history, 'equity' developed as a body of law alongside common law to resolve unfairness caused by strict legal rules.
Word relationships
- fairness: 'Fairness' is a general everyday term, whereas 'equity' carries specific technical weight in law and policy.
- justness: Refers to compliance with moral correctness, whereas 'equity' emphasizes contextual adjustments to reach fairness.
- inequity: Lack of fairness or justice; unfairness.
- bias: Inclinaton for or against one group in an unfair way.
Commonly confused with
- equality: Equality gives everyone the exact same thing; equity gives people what they need to reach an equal baseline.
Word family
- equitable (adjective): Fair and impartial.
- equitably (adverb): In a fair and reasonable manner.
Collocations
- promote equity
- social equity
- equity and inclusion
- court of equity
Example sentences
- "Achieving educational equity requires distributing resources based on student need rather than equal funding per head." Social Policy
- "Courts of equity were established to provide flexible remedies where strict statutory law was too rigid." Legal Philosophy
Memory hook
EQUITY adjusts EQUALITY so that everyone achieves an EQUAL outcome. Tailored fairness for true balance.
When not to use
Do not confuse with financial equity (stock value/ownership) when engaging in legal or philosophical writing.
Fun facts
- In English legal history, the Court of Chancery operated as a 'Court of Equity' headed by the Lord Chancellor to correct harsh common law verdicts.
Related words
Also appears in
- Conflict → Fairness & Impartiality
- Business → Entrepreneurship & Startups
- Business → Compensation & Benefits
- Finance → Investment & Portfolio Management
- Finance → Stocks, Bonds & Derivatives
- Finance → Real Estate & Property
- Philosophy → Moral Philosophy & Ethical Theory
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Structural Inequality & Distribution
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Housing Markets & Zoning
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Welfare Economics & Subsidies
- Health Sciences → Medical Ethics & Bioethics
- Political Science & Governance → Welfare State & Safety Nets
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