Asymmetrically: meaning, definitions and examples

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asymmetrically

[ˌeɪsɪˈmɛtrɪk(ə)li ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a non-symmetrical manner

Not having the parts or sides arranged or symmetrical

Synonyms

differently, lopsidedly, unequally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
asymmetrically	Use this word to describe something that lacks symmetry or is not the same on both sides. This is often used in technical or scientific contexts. The molecules are arranged asymmetrically The building's design is intentionally asymmetrical
unequally	This word is used when referring to something that is not even or fair, often used in discussions about fairness, resources, or opportunities. Resources were distributed unequally among the villagers They were treated unequally in the workplace
lopsidedly	Use this word to describe something that is heavier, larger, or more developed on one side than the other. It often has a negative connotation. The table was placed lopsidedly in the room Her smile was lopsidedly charming
differently	This word is used to convey that something is not the same as something else. It can apply to a wide range of situations, from behavior to appearance. John thinks differently about the problem They painted each room differently

Examples of usage

The building was designed asymmetrically to create a sense of movement.
She smiled asymmetrically, giving him a quirky look.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

not symmetric

Having parts or aspects that are not equal or equivalent

Synonyms

lopsided, unbalanced, uneven.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
asymmetrically	Used similarly to describe something that isn't mirror-imaged or has different sides. Her face is asymmetrically shaped The tree branches grow asymmetrically
uneven	Describes surfaces or distributions that are not level or uniform. Commonly used in everyday language. The road was uneven and full of potholes The growth of the plants was uneven across the field
lopsided	More casual and commonly used to describe something that is heavier or differently shaped on one side. The cake turned out lopsided His smile was lopsided, leaning more to one side
unbalanced	Used to describe something that lacks stability or fairness, can also imply mental instability and has a negative connotation in that sense. The debate was unbalanced in favor of one side The unbalanced load caused the structure to collapse The character in the film seemed mentally unbalanced

Examples of usage

The artist created an asymmetrically balanced composition.
Her hair was styled asymmetrically, with one side longer than the other.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'asymmetria', meaning 'lack of symmetry'.
It is formed by combining the prefix 'a-' (meaning 'not') with 'symmetry', which describes balance or equality in shape.
The word has been used in English since the 19th century, signifying a broadening understanding of design and balance.

Art and Design

Asymmetrical designs can create dynamic and interesting visual compositions in art and architecture.
Many modern artists, including Picasso, utilized asymmetry to challenge traditional perspectives and explore new forms.
In graphic design, asymmetry is often used to guide the viewer’s eye and create focus on specific elements.

Science

In biology, asymmetry is an important concept seen in the body structures of many organisms, such as humans who exhibit bilateral symmetry with subtle asymmetries.
Certain animals, such as flatfish, start life symmetrical but develop asymmetrically as adults, influencing their habitat and predation methods.
Asymetrical shapes in crystals can affect their properties, leading to innovations in materials science.

Psychology

Asymmetry in faces can influence attractiveness, where slight asymmetrical features are often deemed more appealing.
Research shows that people often perceive asymmetrically arranged items as more interesting and engaging than symmetrical ones.
The human brain processes asymmetrical forms differently, which can impact how we respond emotionally to various stimuli.

Mathematics

In geometry, asymmetrical shapes lack reflective or rotational symmetry, which means they don’t mirror or rotate around a particular point.
Asymmetry is significant in statistics, particularly in understanding the distribution of data points, where a lack of symmetry can indicate outlier influences.
The concept of asymmetrical relationships in game theory helps describe situations where players have unequal positions or strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "asymmetrically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assimétricamente

🇮🇳 असमान रूप से

🇩🇪 asymmetrisch

🇮🇩 asimetris

🇺🇦 асиметрично

🇵🇱 asymetrycznie

🇯🇵 非対称に

🇫🇷 asymétriquement

🇪🇸 asimétricamente

🇹🇷 asimetrik olarak

🇰🇷 비대칭적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل غير متماثل

🇨🇿 asymetricky

🇸🇰 asymetricky

🇨🇳 不对称地

🇸🇮 asimetrično

🇮🇸 ósamhverft

🇰🇿 асимметриялы түрде

🇬🇪 ასიმეტრიულად

🇦🇿 asimmetrik olaraq

🇲🇽 asimétricamente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,755, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29752 ragweed
29753 celebrant
29754 gargantuan
29755 asymmetrically
29756 psychopathy
29757 reinvention
29758 interceptors
...