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similarity

n.
US //ˌsɪməˈɫɛɹəti// UK //sˌɪmɪlˈæɹɪti// sim·i·lar·i·ty
  1. 1 being alike (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the state of being like someone or something else.

    the quality or state of being similar; a lack of significant difference between two entities.

    Example

    The similarity between the two sisters is amazing; they look like twins.

    Example

    The striking similarity between the two architectural styles suggests a shared cultural influence during the late nineteenth century.

    Pitfall
    There is a similarity between him to his brother.
    There is a similarity between him and his brother.

    When comparing two people or things using 'similarity', use 'between X and Y' or 'to X'.

  2. 2 a shared feature (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a specific feature or detail that is the same in two different things.

    a specific point, feature, or detail in which two things resemble each other.

    Example

    The two movies have many similarities, such as the same main actor and a similar ending.

    Example

    Despite their different origins, the two languages share several structural similarities that fascinate historical linguists.

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  1. 3 geometry (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    a change to a shape that keeps its angles and proportions the same, even if the size changes.

    a transformation that preserves angles and the ratios of distances, resulting in a shape that is the same as the original but potentially a different size.

    Example

    In geometry class, we learned how a similarity can make a triangle larger without changing its shape.

    Example

    The proof relies on the properties of similarity to demonstrate that the two polygons, though different in scale, maintain identical internal angles.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of Euclidean geometry to describe 'similar triangles'.

Origin

From French similarité. Morphologically similar + -ity

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