Word
similar
Phoneticssim·i·lar, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɪməɫɝ/
UK/sˈɪmɪlɐ/
Definitions
01alike but not identical
A1 · Beginner General-service
adj. having many of the same qualities or features as something else, but not exactly the same.
adj. having traits or characteristics in common; alike in substance or appearance without being identical.
“The two brothers have very similar voices, so I often confuse them on the phone.”
“The researchers noted that the two chemical compounds produced similar results under laboratory conditions, though their long-term stability varied significantly.”
Pitfall
My phone is similar with yours.
My phone is similar to yours.
Always use the preposition 'to' after similar, never 'with' or 'than'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02geometric proportionality
B2 · Upper Intermediate Mathematics Technical · Academic
adj. having the same shape even if the size is different.
adj. having the same shape, specifically with corresponding angles being equal and corresponding sides being proportional.
Español:semejante
“In geometry class, we learned how to calculate the area of similar triangles.”
“The theorem states that if two triangles are similar, the ratio of their areas is equal to the square of the ratio of their corresponding sides.”
Synonyms
03a matching thing
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Literary
n. a person or thing that is like another.
n. a person or thing that resembles or is analogous to another in quality or form.
“We searched for a similar to replace the broken vase, but found nothing.”
“The philosopher argued that every natural phenomenon must have its similar in the spiritual realm, reflecting a universal symmetry.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “similar” in context.
Etymology
From French similaire, from Medieval Latin similaris, extended from Latin similis (“like”); akin to simul (“together”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/similar
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0