Equity vs Shares

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

 EquityShares
MeaningFairness or equal treatmentParts of a company's ownership that people can buy.
Registerformal-
CEFR levelB1-
Usage notesUsed in legal, financial, and social contexts to indicate fairness. May not be appropriate in casual conversations.Use 'shares' in business contexts. It's suitable for formal and informal conversations about finance. Avoid in casual or non-financial discussions.

Frequently asked questions: Equity vs Shares

What's the difference between "Equity" and "Shares"?

"Equity" means: Fairness or equal treatment "Shares" means: Parts of a company's ownership that people can buy.

When should I use "Equity" and "Shares"?

"Equity" is formal.

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