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Dissimilar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissimilar

[dɪˈsɪmɪlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in comparison

Not alike; different in nature or quality; distinct; various.

Synonyms

different, distinct, diverse, various.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissimilar

Used when highlighting that two or more things are not alike at all.

  • The two paintings are dissimilar in style and technique.
  • Their personalities are quite dissimilar.
different

General term to indicate that two or more things are not the same. It’s a more common and flexible word.

  • She prefers a different type of music.
  • The twins have completely different interests.
distinct

Emphasizes that something is clearly recognizable and set apart from others. Often used to describe unique characteristics.

  • There are three distinct colors in this painting.
  • He has a distinct way of speaking.
various

Used to talk about several different items or types, emphasizing multiplicity.

  • She has worked on various projects during her career.
  • There are various routes to reach the destination.
diverse

Used when referring to a group composed of various types or elements. Frequently used to describe variety within a group or category.

  • The city has a diverse population.
  • The conference featured speakers from diverse backgrounds.

Examples of usage

  • They have dissimilar tastes in music.
  • His approach to problem-solving is dissimilar to mine.
  • The two paintings are dissimilar in style.
Context #2 | Adjective

in appearance

Not similar in appearance, character, or nature; unlike; distinct; diverse.

Synonyms

distinct, diverse, unlike, varying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissimilar

Use when describing two or more things that are not alike in most or all aspects.

  • The two paintings are dissimilar in style and technique.
  • Their opinions are dissimilar on the subject of climate change.
unlike

Use when making a direct comparison to show that two things are not similar.

  • Unlike his brother, he loves to read.
  • The climate here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
distinct

Best when highlighting something unique or clearly different from others, usually with a sense of clear boundary or definition.

  • The two products have distinct purposes.
  • His accent is distinct, making him easily recognizable.
diverse

Appropriate for describing a group or collection that contains a variety of different elements or people.

  • The city is known for its diverse population.
  • We offer a diverse range of services to meet customer needs.
varying

Fits situations where there are differences in levels, degrees, or kinds among things that are being compared or contrasted.

  • The restaurant received varying reviews from its customers.
  • She has varying amounts of enthusiasm for different projects.

Examples of usage

  • The twins may be identical in DNA, but they are dissimilar in personality.
  • The two cars may look similar from a distance, but upon closer inspection, their features are dissimilar.
  • His actions were dissimilar to his words.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology studies how recognizing dissimilarities can aid in effective problem-solving.
  • People often learn better when they compare dissimilar concepts, as it encourages deeper understanding.
  • Research shows that highlighting differences can improve memory retention, helping to distinguish learned information.

Art

  • In modern art, contrasting dissimilar styles can create tension and provoke thought, like in cubism and abstract art.
  • Artists like Pablo Picasso explored dissimilar forms and perspectives, leading to innovative expressions.
  • Dissimilar colors are often used in design to grab attention and convey different emotions through visual contrast.

Science

  • In biology, dissimilar organisms are studied to understand ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • The principle of dissimilarity is crucial in genetics, where different traits can lead to variations within species.
  • In physics, examining dissimilar materials can reveal important information about their properties and interactions.

Language

  • Dissimilar adjectives are used to enrich descriptions, helping to articulate more precise ideas.
  • In linguistics, contrasting languages show interesting dissimilar patterns in grammar and vocabulary.
  • The study of synonymy and antonymy in semantics explores the nuanced differences between dissimilar words.

Origin of 'dissimilar'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'dissimilis', where 'dis-' means 'not' and 'similis' means 'similar'.
  • In the early 15th century, the term started being used in the English language to describe differences.
  • The prefix 'dis-' frequently indicates negation, as seen in other words like 'disagree' or 'dislike'.

The word 'dissimilar' originated from the Latin word 'dissimilis', which is a combination of 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'similis' meaning 'like'. The term has been in use since the late 16th century to describe things that are not alike or similar in nature or appearance.

See also: dissimilarities, dissimilarity, dissimilarly, similar, similarity, similarly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,646, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.