võrdub

Võrdub is an Estonian verb meaning to be equal or to correspond. It is used to express that two expressions, quantities, or objects have the same value or are equivalent in some sense. In mathematics and formal contexts it denotes exact equality; in everyday language it can indicate a broader sense of similarity or correspondence between things. The form võrdub is the present tense, third-person singular of the verb, with the infinitive typically given as võrduda or võrduma in dictionaries. In practice, it appears in sentences such as x võrdub y or x on võrdne y-ga, both used to express that x is equal to y.

Etymology and related forms: The word is built on the Estonian root võrd-, meaning “equal.” It forms part of a small family around equality and comparison, including võrdne (equal), võrdlus (comparison), and võrdus (equality, equivalence). The term võrdusmärk refers to the equals sign.

Usage notes: In mathematical writing, the construction on võrdne or võrdub is common, depending on stylistic preference. Võrduma (to compare or to become equal) and võrdus (equality) occupy related but distinct senses; võrdum is not interchangeable with võrdle (to compare). While võrdub conveys a statement of equality, võrdle emphasizes the act of comparison.

See also: võrdne, võrdlus, võrdus, võrdusmärk. Context and register influence which form is most natural, with võrdub appearing most often in statements of equivalence or when describing a relationship that equates two expressions.