Ligheds

Ligheds is a Danish noun that covers concepts of sameness, equality, and likeness. In everyday language it can refer to how two things resemble each other or share the same status. In formal contexts it often denotes an equality relation, where two expressions denote the same value or standing.

In mathematics and logic, lighed describes the relation of equality, meaning that two quantities are identical in value. In philosophy and ethics, it is used to discuss human equality, such as equal moral worth or equal treatment under the law. The legal phrase lighed for loven translates to equality before the law, emphasizing that everyone should be subject to the same rules and protections.

Ligheder can also appear in discussions of aesthetics or scientific measurement, where objects are judged to be alike in certain properties or measurements. The term thus spans numerical equality, qualitative resemblance, and normative principles about fairness or rights.

Common expressions include lighed mellem to variable, where two variables share the same value, and lighed for loven, signaling equal rights and legal consideration. The concept is sometimes contrasted with related ideas such as forskel (difference), ligarbejde (cooperation toward equality), or ensartethed (uniformity), depending on context.

Etymologically, lighed stems from roots meaning 'like' or 'similar,' and has been used in Danish literature to discuss both mathematical equality and social justice. Today it remains a core term across mathematics, law, philosophy, and everyday speech. See also equality, similarity, and equivalence.