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nonequivalence

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //nʌnˈɛkwɪvələns//

KK: /nʌnˈɛkwɪvələns/

noun
Definition

The state of being not equal or equivalent; a lack of equivalence between two or more things.


Example

The nonequivalence of the two proposals led to a lengthy debate.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you read that article about language differences?
Sloth B
Yeah, it mentioned something about nonequivalence in translation.
Sloth A
I found that really interesting, especially how it affects understanding.
Sloth B
Exactly! It shows how some concepts just don't translate well.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disparity
inequality
dissimilarity
Antonyms
equivalence
similarity
uniformity
Root Explanation

Nonequivalence → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "equivalence" (from Latin "aequalis", meaning equal). The word describes a state of not being equal or equivalent.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') being applied to 'equal' ('equivalence') — this helps you remember that nonequivalence means a lack of equality.

Visually Confused Words
equivalence
equivalenced
nonprevalence
omnivalence
equivalency
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