Similar Meaning, Examples, and Common Usage

Meaning 1：almost identical (similar)

similar 🔊

/ˈsɪmɪlər/

adj.

Looking or being almost the same as something else, but not exactly the same.

Two similar smartphones side by side on a table

almost identical 🔊

➕

/ˈɔːlmoʊst aɪˈdentɪkl/

adj.

Describing two or more things that share common features or qualities but are not exactly the same.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'similis' meaning 'like, resembling'.

💡 Mnemonic

Similar = same-like; think of SIM cards looking very alike.

📖 Example

These two mobile phones are similar in design but have different camera features. 🔊 These two mobile phones are similar in design but have different camera features.

🔗 Collocations

similar to – comparable with or resembling something

similar in – sharing a particular quality

remarkably similar – very much alike in a noticeable way

🔄 Synonyms

alike (adj.) – having the same characteristics or qualities

comparable (adj.) – able to be likened to another; equivalent in some way

analogous (adj.) – similar in certain respects, allowing a parallel comparison

🚫 Antonyms

different (adj.) – not the same as another; distinct

dissimilar (adj.) – not alike; different

distinct (adj.) – clearly different and separate

🌱 Derivatives

similarly (adv.) – in a similar manner

similarity (n.) – the state or quality of being similar

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'similis', it entered Middle English via Old French in the 14th century and has been a core word for comparison ever since.