equity

Definitions

equ (even, fair) + -ity (state) = 'fairness.' Treating people evenly is the original sense. The financial meaning is a later leap: your equity is the *fair* share of value that is genuinely yours once debts are paid off.

Why It Means This

The two meanings of equity come from one idea: what is evenly, rightfully yours. In law and ethics, equity is fairness — justice that bends rigid rules to keep outcomes even (hence 'courts of equity'). In finance, your equity in a house is the home's value minus what you still owe — the portion that is fairly, truly yours. Same root, two domains.

Common Collocations

• 1.equity and fairness公平公正
• 2.home equity房屋净值
• 3.private equity私募股权
• 4.raise equity募集股本
• 5.equity stake股权份额

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The policy aims to promote equity in the workplace.

• 2.

  We have built up a lot of equity in our home.

• 3.

  The startup raised funds by selling equity to investors.

Easily Confused

equity vs. equality — equality gives everyone the same thing; equity gives each what they need to reach the same level. A short ramp is about equity (helping those who can't use stairs), not equality (everyone gets stairs).