Similarity: meaning, definitions and examples
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similarity
[ˌsɪmɪˈlærəti ]
Definitions
in psychology
The quality or state of being similar to something else.
Synonyms
likeness, resemblance, similitude.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
similarity |
Used to describe the state of being alike in some way, often in appearance or function. Commonly used in academic, technical, and everyday language to denote general likeness.
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resemblance |
Usually refers to the way two or more things look alike, but can also be used in a more abstract sense. It captures both physical and non-physical similarities.
|
likeness |
Often used to describe a strong physical resemblance, especially when comparing faces or artworks. Can also refer to a representation or image of something.
|
similitude |
A more formal or literary term for similarity. It is less commonly used in everyday language and often appears in philosophical, poetic, or complex contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- There is a high level of similarity between the two theories.
- The new product bears a striking similarity to the old one.
in mathematics
A measure of how alike two data objects are.
Synonyms
congruence, correlation, equivalence.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
similarity |
Repeated, Already described in the first entry. |
correlation |
Used in scientific or analytical contexts to describe a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
|
congruence |
Typically used in more formal contexts, particularly in mathematics and geometry, to indicate exact agreement or harmony.
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equivalence |
Generally used to denote that two items or concepts are equal in value, function, or meaning, often in mathematical or logical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The similarity between the two datasets is calculated using a specific algorithm.
- The algorithm determines the degree of similarity between the data points.
in language
The quality of having elements with the same sound, especially the end of a word.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
similarity |
Used to describe when things are alike in appearance, style, or nature. It is often used in scientific or formal contexts.
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homophony |
Used to describe a musical texture with multiple parts where one part leads and others accompany in harmony. Also refers to words that sound the same but have different meanings.
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assonance |
Used in poetry to describe the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. It creates a musical or rhythmic effect.
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rhyme |
Used in poetry or writing to describe the repetition of similar sounding words, usually at the end of lines. It creates a pleasing effect and helps with memorization.
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Examples of usage
- Rhyme is a form of similarity in language.
- The repetition of vowel sounds creates a sense of similarity.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'similis', meaning 'like' or 'resembling'.
- It evolved in the Middle Ages from Old French, which adopted it from Latin.
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century, mainly in philosophical contexts.
Psychology
- Humans naturally identify similarities to make sense of the world, helping with learning and memory.
- The similarity-attraction effect suggests people are more likely to befriend those who share traits with them.
- In cognitive psychology, similarity helps with categorization, aiding recognition of objects and ideas.
Science
- In biology, organisms can be classified based on shared characteristics, showing their evolutionary relationships.
- Similarity is also a key concept in physics when considering particles or waves exhibiting the same properties.
- In computer science, similarity measures are used in algorithms for tasks like recommendation systems or image recognition.
Art
- Artists often draw on similarity to create patterns and repetitions, leading to rhythm in visual compositions.
- Similarity in design elements, such as color and shape, can evoke feelings of harmony and balance in artworks.
- In literature, theme and motif similarity enrich storytelling by linking characters and plot points.
Pop Culture
- Movies and shows frequently explore themes of similarity, such as twin characters or lookalikes discovering their connections.
- Reality shows like 'The Great British Bake Off' feature contestants with similar skills competing against each other.
- Songs often highlight emotional similarities in relationships, resonating with audiences through shared experiences.
Translations
Translations of the word "similarity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 semelhança
🇮🇳 समानता
🇩🇪 Ähnlichkeit
🇮🇩 kesamaan
🇺🇦 подібність
🇵🇱 podobieństwo
🇯🇵 類似性 (ruijisei)
🇫🇷 similarité
🇪🇸 similitud
🇹🇷 benzerlik
🇰🇷 유사성 (yusaseong)
🇸🇦 تشابه (tashabah)
🇨🇿 podobnost
🇸🇰 podobnosť
🇨🇳 相似性 (xiāngsìxìng)
🇸🇮 podobnost
🇮🇸 líking
🇰🇿 ұқсастық
🇬🇪 მსგავსება (msxvaveba)
🇦🇿 oxşarlıq
🇲🇽 similaridad