Similar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏโโ๏ธ
similar
[หsษชm.ษ.lษr ]
Definitions
in comparing things
Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical.
Synonyms
alike, analogous, comparable, like.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| similar |
Use 'similar' when talking about things that are almost the same but not identical.
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| alike |
Use 'alike' when expressing that two or more things look or behave in the same way.
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| comparable |
Use 'comparable' when you can compare two things in certain respects, often to highlight their similarities or differences.
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| analogous |
Use 'analogous' in more formal or scientific contexts to describe things that can be compared in certain ways because they are alike in some respects.
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| like |
Use 'like' casually to describe things that have similarities to each other. This word is often used in informal conversations.
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Examples of usage
- His handwriting is very similar to his father's.
- The two paintings are quite similar in style.
- Our tastes are similar in many ways.
in comparing things
A person or thing that is like or resembles another.
Synonyms
counterpart, equivalent, match.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| similar |
Use 'similar' when comparing two or more things that share common characteristics but are not exactly the same.
|
| counterpart |
Use 'counterpart' when referring to someone or something that has the same function or position in a different place, entity, or organization.
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| match |
Use 'match' to describe when two things are very similar and complementary or to denote an exact correspondence.
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| equivalent |
Use 'equivalent' to describe something that is equal in value, amount, function, or meaning, but may not be exactly the same in all aspects.
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Examples of usage
- She is a similar to her sister in looks.
- The new model is a similar to the old one.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often find it easier to connect with others who are similar to them in interests or beliefs, which can enhance relationships.
- The 'similarity-attraction effect' suggests that we are more likely to befriend those who share our attitudes and preferences.
- Cognitive matching occurs when individuals align their thoughts and behaviors with those they perceive as similar, influencing group dynamics.
Science
- In biology, organisms can be classified as similar based on shared traits, forming a part of evolutionary study.
- In chemistry, substances can be similar if they have the same functional groups, influencing their reactions.
- Similar structures in DNA sequences can suggest genetic relationships between different species.
Literature
- The use of similes in literature creates vivid imagery by comparing two different things that share a common quality, enhancing understanding.
- Stories often explore themes of similarity to highlight connections between characters or events, inviting readers to draw parallels.
- In poetry, similar sounds or rhythms can create harmony, emphasizing emotions and key messages.
Pop Culture
- Many successful movies and TV shows often have similar plot structures, like the heroโs journey, making it easier for audiences to relate.
- In the fashion industry, trends tend to repeat with similar styles reemerging every few decades, highlighting a cyclical nature.
- Musical artists frequently cover or sample similar songs, creating new renditions while paying homage to the original.
Origin of 'similar'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'similar' comes from the Latin word 'similis', meaning 'like' or 'resembling'.
- In its journey through time, 'similar' entered Middle English through Old French, showcasing the shift in pronunciation and spelling.
- The similar concept appears in various languages, with words like 'simil' in French and 'simile' in Italian, revealing a common linguistic ancestry.
The word 'similar' originated from the Latin word 'similis', meaning 'like'. The concept of similarity has always been important in human cognition, as it helps us categorize and understand the world around us. The word has been used in various languages and cultures to describe the resemblance or likeness between different objects or entities.
See also: dissimilar, dissimilarities, dissimilarity, dissimilarly, similarity, similarly.