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definitions

similar

[ sim-uh-ler ]
/ ˈsɪm ə lər /
||
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adjective

having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way: two similar houses.
Geometry. (of figures) having the same shape; having corresponding sides proportional and corresponding angles equal: similar triangles.
Mathematics. (of two square matrices) related by means of a similarity transformation.

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RELATED WORDS

identical, comparable, complementary, related, akin, analogous, like, agnate, allied, coincident, coincidental, collateral, companion, congruent, congruous, consonant, corresponding, homogeneous, kin, kindred

Nearby words

  1. simian virus,
  2. simian virus 40,
  3. simianity,
  4. simianization,
  5. simic,
  6. similarity,
  7. similarity transformation,
  8. similarly,
  9. simile,
  10. similia similibus curantur

Origin of similar

1605–15; earlier similary < French similaire or Medieval Latin similāris, equivalent to Latin simil(is) like, similar (akin to simul together; cf. simplex) + -āris -ar1
SYNONYMS FOR similar
1. like, resembling. See same.
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ANTONYMS FOR similar
1. different.
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Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for similar

British Dictionary definitions for similar

similar

/ (ˈsɪmɪlə) /

adjective

showing resemblance in qualities, characteristics, or appearance; alike but not identical
geometry (of two or more figures) having corresponding angles equal and all corresponding sides in the same ratioCompare congruent (def. 2)
maths (of two classes) equinumerous
Derived Formssimilarity (ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪtɪ), nounsimilarly, adverb

Word Origin for similar

C17: from Old French similaire, from Latin similis

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)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for similar

similar

adj.

"having characteristics in common," 1610s (earlier similary, 1560s), from French similaire, from a Medieval Latin extended form of Latin similis "like, resembling," from Old Latin semol "together," from PIE root *sem- (1) "one, as one, together with" (see same). The noun meaning "that which is similar" is from 1650s. Related: Similarly.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper