English Reference
adjective · noun

similar

adj. · n.
US /ˈsɪməɫɝ/ UK /sˈɪmɪlɐ/ sim·i·lar

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

    adj.having the same shape even if the size is different.

    adj.having the same shape, with corresponding angles equal and sides in the same proportion.

    Simple

    In geometry class, we learned how to identify similar triangles.

    In context

    The theorem proves that two triangles are similar if two of their angles are equal, regardless of the length of their sides.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.a person or thing that is like another.

    n.a person or thing that resembles or corresponds to another in quality or form.

    Simple

    The two buildings are so alike that one is almost a similar of the other.

    In context

    The philosopher argued that every natural phenomenon has its similar in the spiritual realm, reflecting a universal order.

Usage similar way · similar approach · similar measures


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.

This entry
Origin Latin similis
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated