# similarity

/ˌsɪməˈɫɛɹəti/ (US) · /sˌɪmɪlˈæɹɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/similarity
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. being alike

noun · CEFR B1

the state of being like someone or something else.

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

- The similarity between the two sisters is amazing; they look like twins.
- The striking similarity between the two architectural styles suggests a shared cultural influence during the late nineteenth century.

### 2. a shared feature

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The two movies have many similarities, such as the same main actor and a similar ending.
- Despite their different origins, the two languages share several structural similarities that fascinate historical linguists.

### 3. geometry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

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

## Examples

- There is a strong similarity between the two brothers.
- The similarity in their painting styles suggests they both studied under the same master.
- While the two theories share a superficial similarity, a closer examination of their core premises reveals fundamental differences in how they approach human behavior.

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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.