same

[seym]

adjective

1. identical with what is about to be or has just been mentioned.

   This street is the same one we were on yesterday.

   Synonyms: equal, interchangeable, corresponding
   Antonyms: different

2. being one or identical though having different names, aspects, etc..

   These are the same rules though differently worded.

   Synonyms: equal, interchangeable, corresponding

3. agreeing in kind, amount, etc.; corresponding.

   two boxes of the same dimensions.

   Synonyms: equal, interchangeable, corresponding
   Antonyms: unlike

4. unchanged in character, condition, etc..

   It's the same town after all these years.

pronoun

1. the same person or thing.

2. the same kind or category of thing.

   You're having steak? I'll have the same, but very rare.

3. the very person, thing, or set just mentioned.

   Sighted sub sank same.

4. the same, in the same manner; in an identical or similar way.

   I see the same through your glasses as I do through mine.

same

/ seɪm /

adjective

1. being the very one

   she is wearing the same hat she wore yesterday

2. 1. being the one previously referred to; aforesaid

   2. ( as noun )

      a note received about same

3. 1. identical in kind, quantity, etc

      two girls of the same age

   2. ( as noun )

      we'd like the same, please

4. unchanged in character or nature

   his attitude is the same as ever

5. 1. Also: just the same. nevertheless; yet

   2. immaterial

      it's all the same to me

adverb

1. in an identical manner

Usage

The use of same exemplified in if you send us your order for the materials, we will deliver same tomorrow is common in business and official English. In general English, however, this use of the word is avoided: may I borrow your book? I'll return it (not same ) tomorrow

Word History and Origins

Origin of same¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; Old English same (adverb); cognate with Old Norse samr, Greek homós, Sanskrit samá

Word History and Origins

Origin of same¹

C12: from Old Norse samr; related to Old English adverbial phrase swā same likewise, Gothic sama, Latin similis, Greek homos same

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. all the same,

   1. notwithstanding; nevertheless.

      You don't have to go but we wish you would, all the same.

   2. of no difference; immaterial.

      It's all the same to me whether our team loses or wins.

2. just the same,

   1. in the same manner.

   2. nevertheless.

      It was a success, but it could easily have failed, just the same.

More idioms and phrases containing same

• all the same
• amount to the same thing
• at the same time
• by the same token
• cast in the same mold
• great minds (run in the same channel)
• in the same boat
• in the same breath
• in the same league
• on the same wavelength
• one and the same

Synonym Study

Same, similar agree in indicating a correspondence between two or more things. Same means alike in kind, degree, quality; that is, identical (with): to eat the same food every day; at the same price. Similar means like, resembling, having certain qualities in common, somewhat the same as, of nearly the same kind as: similar in appearance; Don't treat them as if they were the same when they are only similar.

Example Sentences

The protest took place on the same day as local elections, which the opposition is largely boycotting following a government crackdown.

From BBC

But it marks the third consecutive race weekend in which McLaren have not shown the same level of competitiveness as earlier in the season.

From BBC

Well over a dozen Conservative MPs or former MPs have made that same move.

From BBC

“They all understood, if she dies before I get home, don’t finish building it, because I’ll be dead the same day.”

From Los Angeles Times

Few queer generations in human history have ever been born, lived and died with the same set of rights.

From Salon