similarity
/,simi'læriti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Two children notice the similarity between the shapes of a cloud and a rabbit.
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality or state of being alike or resembling something else: The condition of sharing characteristics, features, or qualities.
- A specific aspect, feature, or point in which things are alike: A particular resemblance or parallel between two or more things.
Usage
The noun "similarity" is used to describe the condition of being similar or to point out a specific shared characteristic. It is often followed by the preposition "between" when comparing two things, or "to" when indicating what something resembles. - Use "similarity" as a countable noun when referring to specific points of resemblance (e.g., There are several similarities). - Use "similarity" as an uncountable noun when referring to the general quality of being alike (e.g., The similarity is striking).
Examples
- General Quality (Uncountable):
- The similarity between the two paintings is remarkable.
- There is a strong similarity in their writing styles.
- Specific Points (Countable):
- The report lists the key similarities and differences.
- One obvious similarity is their shared love of music.
Advanced Usage
- "bear a similarity to": To show a resemblance to something.
- The new model bears a strong similarity to its predecessor.
- "striking similarity": A very noticeable or surprising resemblance.
- There is a striking similarity in their career paths.
- "similarity of/ in": Used to specify the area of resemblance.
- There is a similarity of purpose in their projects.
- We noted a similarity in their approaches to the problem.
Variants and Related Words
- Similar (adj): Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity.
- The two houses have similar designs.
- Similarly (adv): In a similar way.
- The brothers dress similarly.
- Dissimilarity (n): The quality of being different; a point of difference.
- The dissimilarity in their opinions caused debate.
Synonyms
- Resemblance: The state of being alike, especially in appearance.
- Likeness: The fact or quality of being alike.
- Parallel: A similarity or comparison.
- Analogy: A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
Antonyms
- Difference: A point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.
- Dissimilarity: Lack of resemblance; unlikeness.
- Contrast: The state of being strikingly different from something else.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- "Similarity ends there": Used to indicate that the resemblance does not extend beyond a certain point.
- They both enjoy hiking, but the similarity ends there; their personalities are completely different.
Two children notice the similarity between the shapes of a cloud and a rabbit.
Noun
- a Gestalt principle of organization holding that (other things being equal) parts of a stimulus field that are similar to each other tend to be perceived as belonging together as a unit
- the quality of being similar