Similitude: meaning, definitions and examples

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similitude

[sɪˈmɪlɪtjuːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in literature

The quality or state of being similar to something.

Synonyms

analogy, likeness, resemblance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
similitude	Suitable for formal or literary contexts where a detailed or abstract comparison is being made. The poem draws a beautiful similitude between love and the changing seasons The artist's work bears a profound similitude to that of the Renaissance masters
likeness	Typically used to refer to visual or physical similarities. Can be used in casual or formal contexts. There is a striking likeness between the two siblings His portrait bears a remarkable likeness to the original photo
resemblance	Used to describe a similarity, usually in appearance or character, and is suitable for both spoken and written contexts. The resemblance between the twins is uncanny Despite their different personalities, there is a clear resemblance in their mannerisms
analogy	Commonly used in situations where a clear, instructive comparison is being made, often to explain or clarify a concept. Her explanation used an analogy between the growth of a tree and the development of one's skills The teacher made an analogy to help students grasp the complex idea

Examples of usage

The similitude between the two characters in the novel was striking.
There was a clear similitude in writing styles between the two authors.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in theology

The quality or fact of being similar to or resembling something.

Synonyms

analogy, likeness, resemblance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
similitude	Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a close comparison or a profound similarity between things. The poetic similitude between love and the ocean was striking The critics admired the similitude of his paintings to the works of the Renaissance masters
likeness	Commonly used to refer to the visual or physical similarity between people or objects, and often in contexts where the appearance is being compared. There is a striking likeness between the two brothers The artist captured the exact likeness of the famous singer in his portrait
resemblance	Most appropriate for general use when pointing out similarities, particularly physical or characteristic traits, between different entities. You can see the resemblance between the twins in their smiles The building’s architecture has a clear resemblance to ancient Greek temples
analogy	Best used when drawing comparisons to explain complex ideas or concepts by relating them to something familiar or simpler. She used an analogy to explain the functioning of the human brain by comparing it to a computer The teacher drew an analogy between the solar system and a spinning top to help students understand planetary motion

Examples of usage

The similitude of the deity to a human form is a common theme in religious art.
The concept of similitude between humans and divine beings is explored in many religious texts.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in mathematics

A measurable similarity between two objects, phenomena, or relationships.

Synonyms

correspondence, equivalence, similarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
similitude	Used often in formal, literary, or academic contexts to describe a likeness or comparison between two things, focusing on their shared attributes. The poet used a clever similitude to compare life to a winding river. There is a deep similitude between the two philosophies.
similarity	Commonly used in everyday language to describe things that are alike but not necessarily identical, focusing on their resemblance. The similarity between the twins is remarkable. Despite their differences, there is a similarity in their approach to problem-solving.
equivalence	Best used when discussing things that are equal in value, function, or meaning, often in mathematical, scientific, or logical contexts. In chemistry, the equivalence of two compounds means they react in the same way. There is an equivalence between the two mathematical expressions.
correspondence	Refers to a direct relationship or agreement between two or more things, often used in context with data, measurements, or communication. The correspondence between the two sets of data was striking. Their letters were a testament to their long-standing correspondence.

Examples of usage

The similitude of the two triangles allowed for the application of the Pythagorean theorem.
The concept of similitude in geometry is crucial for solving complex problems.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'similitudo,' which means likeness or similarity.
In the 14th century, it started appearing in English with references to comparisons of objects and ideas.
The roots 'similis' (similar) and '-tude' (state or condition) contribute to the overall meaning of the word.

Literature

It is often used in poetry and prose to highlight comparisons between characters, themes, or settings.
Famous authors, like Shakespeare and Milton, utilized similitude to draw parallels and enhance deeper understanding.
Literary critiques often discuss similitude to analyze motifs and symbols across various works.

Philosophy

Philosophers study similitude to understand concepts of identity and resemblance in the natural world.
In metaphysics, similitude plays a role in debating the nature of reality and how different entities relate to one another.
The idea has roots in Platonic thought, where abstract forms are similar to their physical representations.

Art

In visual arts, artists use similitude to create likenesses of people, objects, or scenes through techniques such as realism.
The concept is related to styles like chiaroscuro, where light and shadow create a sense of depth highlighting similar aspects.
Symbolism in artwork often involves creating similitudes to convey messages or evoke emotions.

Psychology

Cognitive psychology explores how humans perceive similarities and differences among objects and ideas.
The principle of similarity suggests that people categorize objects that appear alike, aiding memory and learning.
Psychologists study interpersonal relationships where similitude can foster connections and understanding between individuals.

Translations

Translations of the word "similitude" in other languages:

🇵🇹 semelhança

🇮🇳 समानता

🇩🇪 Ähnlichkeit

🇮🇩 kesamaan

🇺🇦 схожість

🇵🇱 podobieństwo

🇯🇵 類似

🇫🇷 similitude

🇪🇸 similitud

🇹🇷 benzerlik

🇰🇷 유사성

🇸🇦 تشابه

🇨🇿 podobnost

🇸🇰 podobnosť

🇨🇳 相似

🇸🇮 podobnost

🇮🇸 líking

🇰🇿 ұқсастық

🇬🇪 მსგავსება

🇦🇿 oxşarlıq

🇲🇽 similitud

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,424, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21421 northernmost
21422 manger
21423 unharmed
21424 similitude
21425 invective
21426 delineating
21427 massively
...