# same

/ˈseɪm/ (US) · /sˈeɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/same
Updated: 2026-06-15

## Senses

### 2. similar in every way

determiner · CEFR A1

exactly like another thing in shape, size, or quality.

For teachers: indistinguishable in kind, quality, or amount; having a close resemblance.

- The two sisters were wearing the same blue dress at the party.
- Although they were manufactured in different years, the two components were built to the same exacting specifications.

### 3. the identical thing

pronoun · CEFR A2

the thing that was just mentioned.

For teachers: the identical object, fact, or event previously described.

- I'll have the same, please.
- He ordered a black coffee, and his colleague requested the same, noting that they both needed the caffeine for the long drive ahead.

### 4. in the same way

adverb · CEFR B1

in a way that is not different.

For teachers: in an identical manner or to an equal degree.

- You should treat all your employees the same.
- The law requires that all citizens be treated the same, regardless of their social standing or economic background.

### 5. I agree

interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

you say this to show you feel the same way as someone else.

For teachers: used to express agreement with a previous statement or to indicate that the speaker is in a similar situation.

- "I'm so tired of this cold weather." "Same."
- When the lead singer posted about his frustration with the tour schedule, thousands of fans simply replied with "same" to show their solidarity.

### 6. it or them

pronoun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a formal way to say 'it' or 'them' when talking about something already mentioned.

For teachers: used to refer back to a previously mentioned noun phrase to avoid repetition; common in legal or highly formal contexts.

- Please sign the document and return the same to our office.
- The tenant shall maintain the garden and ensure the same is kept free of weeds throughout the duration of the lease.

Usage: often appears in phrases like 'for the same' or 'of the same'

Teaching tip: This usage is rare in speech and mostly found in contracts or old-fashioned business letters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.