asymmetry

/ˌeɪˈsɪmətri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌeɪˈsɪmətri/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)ā-ˈsi-mə-trē/ (ame, mw)

asymmetry — noun

  • asymmetrysingular
  • asymmetriesplural

1. a situation where corresponding parts of something differ in shape, size, or pos

1.名詞C1
釋義

a situation where corresponding parts of something differ in shape, size, or position.

例句

The doctor noticed slight facial asymmetry when Zayd tried to smile.

collocation: facial asymmetry

Gita folded the paper and saw asymmetry in the butterfly wings.

同義詞
  • unevenness

    broader; can describe many kinds of difference, not only side-to-side mismatch

  • irregularity

    broader and less visual; often means something does not follow a normal pattern

  • imbalance

    emphasizes lack of equal weight or proportion rather than mirrored form

反義詞
  • symmetry

    the direct opposite; both sides or parts match in form or position

  • balance

    broader; suggests visual or physical harmony, not only matching sides

用法筆記

Common in descriptions of faces, buildings, pictures, and objects. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about unequal access, power, or advantage between people or groups.

常見錯誤

❌The two doors have a nice asymmetry, so they match perfectly.
✅The two doors have good symmetry, so they match perfectly.
💡asymmetry means the two sides do not match.

2. an unfair difference where one person or group has more information, power, or o

2.名詞C2
釋義

an unfair difference where one person or group has more information, power, or opportunity than the other.

例句

The pay asymmetry between junior and senior staff caused anger.

asymmetry between two groups

The court tried to reduce the asymmetry between tenants and landlords.

同義詞
  • inequality

    broader and more general; not limited to a two-sided comparison

  • disparity

    often stresses a noticeable gap in amount or quality

  • imbalance

    broader; can refer to unfair weight, influence, or distribution

反義詞
  • equality

    focuses on the two sides having the same rights, access, or treatment

  • parity

    more formal; stresses equal standing or equal conditions

用法筆記

Usually used in formal discussions about business, politics, law, or social relations. Unlike sense 1, this sense is not about physical form but about one side having an advantage the other side lacks.

常見錯誤

❌There was an asymmetry because both sides had the same information.
✅There was no asymmetry because both sides had the same information.
💡asymmetry means the two sides are not equally placed.