similar

/'similə/

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Explanation of the Word "Similar"

Definition: The word "similar" is an adjective used to describe things that are alike or have some characteristics in common. When two things are similar, they can often be compared or thought of in the same way, but they are not identical.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "similar" to talk about objects, people, ideas, or situations that share common features but are not exactly the same.
• It is often followed by "to" when comparing something to another thing (e.g., "This dress is similar to that one").

Examples

1. Basic Usage: "The two paintings are similar; they both use bright colors and abstract shapes."
2. Advanced Usage: "The students' opinions on the topic were similar, highlighting a common understanding among them."

Word Variants

• Similarity (noun): This refers to the state of being similar. For example, "There is a strong similarity between the two proposals."
• Similitude (noun): This is a more formal term that also means likeness or similarity. For example, "The similitude of their experiences brought them closer together."

Different Meanings

• In some contexts, "similar" can imply a degree of difference. For example, "These two recipes are similar, but this one includes nuts."

Synonyms

• Alike
• Comparable
• Resembling
• Analogous
• Like

Idioms

• "Like two peas in a pod": This idiom means that two people or things are very similar to each other. For example, "Those twins are like two peas in a pod; they look and act alike."

Phrasal Verbs

• There aren’t specific phrasal verbs for "similar," but you can use phrases like “similar to” or “similar in” to show comparison. For example, "His ideas are similar to mine."

Summary

"Similar" is an important word that helps us describe how things can be alike in certain ways.

Academic

Adjective

1. capable of replacing or changing places with something else; permitting mutual substitution without loss of function or suitability
   • interchangeable electric outlets interchangeable parts
2. (of words) expressing closely related meanings
3. resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination
   • suits of like design
   • a limited circle of like minds
   • members of the cat family have like dispositions
   • as like as two peas in a pod
   • doglike devotion
   • a dreamlike quality
4. having the same or similar characteristics
   • all politicians are alike
   • they looked utterly alike
   • friends are generally alike in background and taste
5. marked by correspondence or resemblance
   • similar food at similar prices
   • problems similar to mine
   • they wore similar coats

Synonyms

• exchangeable
• interchangeable
• standardized
• standardised
• like
• alike