similar

[ sim-uh-ler ]

adjective

1. having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way:

   two similar houses.

   Synonyms: like

   Antonyms: different

2. Geometry. (of figures) having the same shape; having corresponding sides proportional and corresponding angles equal:

   similar triangles.

3. Mathematics. (of two square matrices) related by means of a similarity transformation.

similar

/ ˈsɪmɪlə; ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. showing resemblance in qualities, characteristics, or appearance; alike but not identical
2. geometry (of two or more figures) having corresponding angles equal and all corresponding sides in the same ratio Compare congruent
3. maths (of two classes) equinumerous

Usage

As should not be used after similar: Wilson held a similar position to Jones (not a similar position as Jones ); the system is similar to the one in France (not similar as the one in France )

Derived Forms

• similarity, noun
• ˈsimilarly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• sim·i·lar·ly adverb
• non·sim·i·lar adjective
• qua·si-sim·i·lar adjective
• self-sim·i·lar adjective
• un·sim·i·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of similar¹

First recorded in 1605–15; earlier similary, from French similaire or directly from Medieval Latin similāris, equivalent to Latin simili(s) “like, similar” (akin to simul “together”; simplex ) + -āris -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of similar¹

C17: from Old French similaire, from Latin similis

Synonym Study

See same.

Example Sentences

"Rare earths" are a group of 17 chemically similar elements that are crucial to the manufacture of many high-tech products.

From BBC

To investigate the potential scale of trafficking from the US using similar shipping routes, the BBC analysed customs data shared with us by the shipping data platform CargoFax.

From BBC

Another woman came forward with similar accusations in a lawsuit filed in August 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

It follows an earlier ban of similar products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria after rising cases of the cattle disease in those countries.

From BBC

The sentence can be considered in exceptional cases such as those where two or more people have been killed with a significant degree of pre-meditation, or where one child is killed with similar pre-planning.

From BBC

Related Words

• akin
• analogous
• comparable
• complementary
• identical
• related