Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Equitable
adjective
/ EK-wih-tuh-bul /
Medium
Meaning
Fair and impartial; characterised by giving each person what they are due based on their circumstances, not merely equal treatment for all
Origin / Etymology
Latin aequitas (evenness, fairness) — aequus (level, equal)
Synonyms
Fair
Just
Impartial
Proportionate
Antonyms
Inequitable
Unfair
Discriminatory
Skewed
Example Sentence
"The Finance Commission's devolution formula attempts to balance equitable distribution of resources between richer and poorer states through a criteria-based horizontal sharing mechanism."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Critical distinction for UPSC: 'equal' means giving everyone the same; 'equitable' means giving proportionately based on need. This distinction underlies reservation policy, progressive taxation, differentiated fiscal transfers to states, and the right to education. Mastering this distinction elevates essay and Mains answer quality significantly.
Relevant Subjects