quasi-equality

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   in mathematics or logic, a relation weaker than strict equality under which two objects count as equal for a specified approximate or domain-specific purpose

   The classification uses quasi-equality when two groups have an intersection of finite index in each.

2. 2
   noun

   in Russell's account of measurement, a resemblance between small finite distances that approaches complete equality as the distances become smaller

   Russell's quasi-equality becomes a closer resemblance as the compared distances diminish.

Formed in English from quasi- + equality. Quasi- comes from Latin quasi ("as if, as though, approximately"), from quam ("as") + si ("if"). Technical writers use the compound for relations that resemble equality or replace it under weaker criteria; the exact criterion depends on the field.

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