ligelig

Ligelig is an adjective used in Danish and Norwegian to describe something that is even, balanced, or proportionate. It is commonly applied to distributions, outcomes, or characteristics that are spread across categories with minimal deviation. In statistical language, ligelig fordeling refers to an even distribution; in everyday usage, ligelige chancer can mean equal chances.

Etymology and scope: The form is built from a Germanic root related to similarity or equality, combined with the adjectival suffix -elig. Its precise historical development varies by language, but ligelig is attested in early modern Danish and Norwegian. The term tends to emphasize parity and proportionality rather than strict numerical equality.

Usage and nuance: Ligelig emphasizes parity without implying perfect equality. It is often contrasted with terms for exact equality or uniformity, such as lige or ens, and its sense can shift with context—for example, in policy discussions it may carry a connotation of fairness in treatment rather than exact sameness.

Examples: Ligelig fordeling af ressourcer betyder, at hver gruppe får omtrent det samme antal enheder. Deltagerne havde ligelige muligheder for at deltage.

Relation to related terms: Ligelig is related to lige (equal) and lighed (equality). It belongs to a family of adjectives that describe balance and proportionality.

See also: Equality, fairness, proportionality, distribution.