Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Exactly the one or ones referred to or mentioned; identical: Refers to being the exact person, place, thing, or idea, not a different one.
   • Being the very one; not another: Emphasizes that it is precisely this specific item and no other.
   • Similar in kind, quality, quantity, or degree; alike: Indicates things that are very similar or comparable, often indistinguishable in the context.
   • Unchanging in character, condition, or effect: Describes something that remains constant over time.

2. Noun:

   • The same thing or person: Used to refer back to a thing or person already mentioned.
   • [Capitalized, specific use]: Refers to the Sami people, an indigenous group in northern Scandinavia, or their language. (Note: This is a distinct, homographic proper noun and not the primary meaning of the adjective 'same').

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • We grew up in the same town. (Identical place)
  • She was wearing the same dress she had on yesterday. (The very one, not another)
  • The twins have the same eye color. (Alike, similar)
  • After all these years, his routine is still the same. (Unchanging)

• Noun:

  • "I'd like a coffee, please." "I'll have the same." (Referring to the identical thing)
  • The letter was from Mr. Smith, and I replied to the same. (Referring to the identical person)

Advanced Usage

• "One and the same": Used for emphasis to state that two apparently different things are actually identical.

  • I realized the author and the illustrator were one and the same person.

• "Much the same": Very similar, with little or no difference.

  • The new model looks much the same as the old one.

• "The very same": Used for extra emphasis on exact identity.

  • This is the very same book I recommended to you.

Variants and Related Words

• Sameness (n): The quality or state of being the same; lack of variety.
  • The sameness of the landscape made the drive boring.

Synonyms

• Identical: Exactly alike, often interchangeable with 'same'.
• Alike: Similar to each other.
• Equivalent: Equal in value, function, or meaning.
• Unchanged: Not altered or modified.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: 'Same' is primarily an adjective/noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Phrases are idiomatic.)

Related Idioms

• "All the same" or "Just the same": Nevertheless; in spite of that.

  • I understand your point. All the same, I think we should proceed.

• "Same difference": (Informal) Used to indicate that two things, even if technically different, are effectively the same in the context.

  • "It's a quarter to three." "Or 2:45." "Same difference."

• "Same old, same old": (Informal) Used to say that a situation remains boringly unchanged or familiar.

  • "How's work?" "Oh, you know, the same old, same old."

• "On the same page": In agreement; thinking in a similar way.

  • Before we start, we need to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Adjective

1. unchanged in character or nature
   • the village stayed the same
   • his attitude is the same as ever
2. equal in amount or value
   • like amounts
   • equivalent amounts
   • the same amount
   • gave one six blows and the other a like number
   • the same number
3. closely similar or comparable in kind or quality or quantity or degree
   • curtains the same color as the walls
   • two girls of the same age
   • mother and son have the same blue eyes
   • animals of the same species
   • the same rules as before
   • two boxes having the same dimensions
   • the same day next year
4. same in identity
   • the same man I saw yesterday
   • never wore the same dress twice
   • this road is the same one we were on yesterday
   • on the same side of the street

Noun

1. the language of nomadic Lapps in northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula
2. a member of an indigenous nomadic people living in northern Scandinavia and herding reindeer