Similarity: meaning, definitions and examples

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similarity

 

[ˌsɪmɪˈlærəti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

The quality or state of being similar to something else.

Synonyms

likeness, resemblance, similitude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • There is a striking similarity between the twins.
  • The similarity in their writing styles is noticeable.
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.

  • She bears a strong resemblance to her grandmother.
  • The resemblance between the two theories is uncanny.
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.

  • The portrait captures the likeness of the young queen beautifully.
  • There’s a clear likeness between the father and his son.
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.

  • The poet spoke of the deep similitude between human emotions and nature.
  • There is a certain similitude in the designs of ancient and modern architecture.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

in mathematics

A measure of how alike two data objects are.

Synonyms

congruence, correlation, equivalence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • There is a high correlation between exercise and improved mood
  • Scientists are studying the correlation between diet and longevity
congruence

Typically used in more formal contexts, particularly in mathematics and geometry, to indicate exact agreement or harmony.

  • The teacher explained the congruence of the two triangles
  • Their views showed a surprising level of congruence
equivalence

Generally used to denote that two items or concepts are equal in value, function, or meaning, often in mathematical or logical contexts.

  • The two fractions represent an equivalence
  • In logic, this statement has an equivalence to that one

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.
Context #3 | Noun

in language

The quality of having elements with the same sound, especially the end of a word.

Synonyms

assonance, homophony, rhyme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The similarity between the two species is remarkable.
  • There is a strong similarity in their arguments.
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.

  • Bach's music often features intricate homophony.
  • ‘To’ and ‘too’ are examples of homophony.
assonance

Used in poetry to describe the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. It creates a musical or rhythmic effect.

  • He shows assonance in the line ‘Hear the mellow wedding bells’.
  • The poem's beauty is enhanced by the use of assonance.
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.

  • Children's poems often use simple rhyme schemes.
  • The simplicity of the rhyme made the song catchy.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,112 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.