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 )

Other Word Forms

• similarity noun
• similarly adverb
• nonsimilar adjective
• quasi-similar adjective
• self-similar adjective
• unsimilar 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

The settings—generic spaces such as cafés, train stations, hotel lobbies, and offices—tend to be described with similar brevity, while the detectives’ actions are recounted in prose generally lacking metaphor, simile, or fanciful digression.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"This is similar to finding the missing links in an assembly line," says Dr. Dang, UBC Okanagan Principal's Research Chair in Natural Products Biotechnology.

Read more on Science Daily

Credited for making Oregon State competitive in the Pac-12 despite limited resources, Smith needs to show he can do something similar with the Spartans.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Other videos show circulating show similar destruction in the Sabra and Zeitoun neighbourhoods to the south and east, where entire apartment blocks have been levelled.

Read more on BBC

A target-date or similar fund would, however, still need to account for the expenses of any other type of fund it holds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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