dissimilar
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not similar to something else; having different qualities or features.
adj.not similar; unlike in nature, quality, or form. Often used in comparative structures with the preposition 'from'.
Simple“The two brothers have very dissimilar personalities, even though they look alike.”
In context“The results of the second study were entirely dissimilar from the first, suggesting that the initial variables had not been properly controlled.”
UsageCommonly follows the verb 'to be' and is often followed by the preposition 'from'.
Teacher's tipThis is a more formal alternative to 'different'. Advise students to use it in academic or professional writing to avoid repeating 'different'.
PitfallThe two cultures are dissimilar to each other. The two cultures are dissimilar from each other.While 'to' is sometimes used, 'from' is the standard preposition for showing difference in formal English.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a person or thing that is not like others in a group.
n.a thing or person that is dissimilar to others. This nominal use is rare and typically found in technical or philosophical contexts.
Simple“In this list of numbers, the odd one out is a dissimilar.”
In context“The philosopher argued that we only understand the nature of a thing by comparing it to its dissimilars.”
UsageRarely used as a noun in modern English; usually functions as an adjective.
From dis- + similar.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.