law of similarity

or Law of Sim·i·lar·i·ty

[ law uhv sim-uh-lar-i-tee ]

noun

1. Psychology. (in Gestalt psychology) the idea that things that are similar tend to be perceived as a unit:

   The law of similarity can be evoked with color, shape, size, texture, or almost any other attribute.

2. the idea that things or actions that are similar have a connection to each other or can affect each other without a perceptible means of doing so:

   The ritual operates on the basis of the magical law of similarity, according to which the imitation of an action causes it to happen.

Word History and Origins

Origin of law of similarity¹

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

A second is the law of similarity, or “Things that appear similar are similar. Appearance equals reality.”

From New York Times

The combined failure of amodal completion and the success of the law of similarity gives rise to the illusion.

From Scientific American

Paul Rozin, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, argues that these studies demonstrate the magical law of similarity.

From New York Times

On the first point the English School appeals to a law that it calls the law of similarity or faculty of identifying the like in the different.

From Project Gutenberg

The replica’s appeal is related to another form of thinking called the law of similarity, Dr. Newman said.

From New York Times