ENGLISH
REFERENCE

symmetric

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //səˈmɛtɹɪk// UK //sɪmˈɛtɹɪk// sym·met·ric

adj. having two halves that are exactly the same in shape and size. If you fold a symmetric shape in half, the two sides match perfectly.

adj. characterised by an exact correspondence of form and constituent configuration on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane.


SIMPLE

The butterfly has symmetric patterns on its wings.

CONTEXTUAL

Architects often design government buildings with symmetric facades to create a sense of balance and authority.

COMPLEX

In theoretical physics, certain laws remain invariant under symmetric transformations, suggesting that the fundamental properties of the universe do not change when viewed from a mirrored perspective.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From symmetry + -ic, from Latin symmetria, from Ancient Greek συμμετρία (summetría).

Usage

Often used in technical contexts like geometry or biology; can be used both attributively and predicatively.

Pitfall

the face is very symmetrythe face is very symmetricLearners often use the noun 'symmetry' when the adjective 'symmetric' or 'symmetrical' is required to describe a quality.

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