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Asymmetry: meaning, definitions and examples

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asymmetry

 

[əˈsɪmɪtri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physics

Lack of symmetry or balance between two opposing forces or aspects. In physics, it refers to a situation where an object or system is not symmetrical in relation to a specific axis or plane.

Synonyms

disparity, imbalance, inequality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
asymmetry

Used in contexts where things are not mirror reflections or lack proportion. Often used in art, design, and science.

  • The artist’s use of asymmetry drew attention to the focal point of the painting.
  • Asymmetry in biological structures can be a sign of evolution.
imbalance

Refers to situations where elements are not in equal or proper proportions, often used in contexts related to health, systems, or relationships.

  • An imbalance in the diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
  • The power imbalance in their relationship caused significant issues.
disparity

Used to highlight a significant difference or inequality, often in social, economic, or health contexts.

  • There is a notable disparity in income between the urban and rural populations.
  • Healthcare disparities remain a critical issue that needs addressing.
inequality

Often used to describe systematic and institutional differences, especially in social and economic contexts. It has a negative connotation.

  • Gender inequality remains a significant barrier to women's advancement.
  • Economic inequality has been increasing globally over the past decade.

Examples of usage

  • The asymmetry of the molecule affects its stability.
  • The asymmetry in the experimental results raised questions about the accuracy of the measurements.
Context #2 | Noun

art

A lack of symmetry in design or composition, intentionally used to create visual interest or tension. It is often employed in modern art to challenge traditional notions of beauty and balance.

Synonyms

irregularity, nonuniformity, variability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
asymmetry

Used when describing something that lacks balance or equal proportions, often in a more formal or scientific context.

  • The asymmetry in the artwork made it fascinating to look at
  • The doctor noted the asymmetry in the patient's facial features, which required further examination
irregularity

Appropriate for situations where something deviates from the norm or expected pattern, often with a slightly negative connotation.

  • The irregularity in the financial reports raised some red flags
  • There was an irregularity in the flight schedule, causing the passengers to worry about delays
nonuniformity

Best used in a scientific or technical context when discussing a lack of uniformity across a surface or within a dataset.

  • The nonuniformity of the material caused issues during the manufacturing process
  • The nonuniformity in the data set required additional analysis to ensure accuracy
variability

Used when referring to the degree to which something changes or differs, particularly in statistics, measurements, or behaviors.

  • The weather's high variability makes it hard to plan outdoor activities
  • The scientist studied the variability in the plant's growth under different light conditions

Examples of usage

  • The artist used asymmetry in the painting to evoke a sense of movement.
  • The asymmetry of the sculpture added a dynamic element to the exhibit.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

The absence of symmetry or balance in the form or structure of an organism. It can refer to differences in size, shape, or arrangement of body parts.

Synonyms

dissimilarity, divergence, unevenness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
asymmetry

Used in formal and technical contexts to describe a lack of balance or equality between two sides or parts.

  • The architect designed the building with a deliberate asymmetry to create a more dynamic aesthetic.
  • There is often asymmetry in the distribution of resources within the company.
unevenness

Often used to describe something that is irregular or not level, either physically or metaphorically.

  • The unevenness of the road caused the car to shake.
  • Her performance in the play was marked by unevenness, with some scenes noticeably stronger than others.
dissimilarity

Used when discussing differences between two things, often in qualitative comparisons.

  • The dissimilarity between the two samples was evident upon close examination.
  • Although they are brothers, there is a stark dissimilarity in their personalities.
divergence

Used to describe a process of growing apart or when paths, opinions, or outcomes become different.

  • There has been a significant divergence in their career paths since they graduated.
  • The divergence of their opinions on the project led to a heated debate.

Examples of usage

  • The asymmetry of the flower petals puzzled the botanist.
  • The genetic mutation led to asymmetry in the development of the organism.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'a-' meaning 'not' and 'symmetria' meaning 'measured together'.
  • Originally, it was used in mathematics to describe objects that do not have balanced dimensions.

Art and Design

  • Asymmetry is popular in art for creating visual interest and dynamic compositions.
  • Many famous art movements, like Cubism, embraced asymmetrical forms to challenge traditional beauty.
  • In interior design, asymmetrical arrangements can make spaces more inviting and lively.

Biology

  • Many animals exhibit asymmetrical features, such as the heart being located on one side of the body.
  • Certain species use asymmetry as an advantage in camouflage, helping them blend into their environments.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often perceive asymmetrical faces as more attractive due to the uniqueness they provide.
  • Asymmetry can evoke emotional responses in viewers, making the experience of art or design more engaging.

Mathematics

  • Asymmetry is a key concept in geometry, distinguishing figures without mirror-like balance.
  • In statistics, asymmetrical distributions, like the skewed bell curve, can indicate underlying trends in data.

Translations

Translations of the word "asymmetry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assimetria

🇮🇳 असममिति

🇩🇪 Asymmetrie

🇮🇩 asimetris

🇺🇦 асиметрія

🇵🇱 asymetria

🇯🇵 非対称

🇫🇷 asymétrie

🇪🇸 asimetría

🇹🇷 asimetrik

🇰🇷 비대칭

🇸🇦 لاتماثل

🇨🇿 asymetrie

🇸🇰 asymetria

🇨🇳 不对称

🇸🇮 asimetrija

🇮🇸 ósamhverfa

🇰🇿 асимметрия

🇬🇪 ასიმეტრია

🇦🇿 asimmetriya

🇲🇽 asimetría

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,166, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.