sameness

/ˈseɪmnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈseɪmnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsām-nəs/ (ame, mw)

sameness — noun

1. the condition or fact of two or more things being identical or extremely close i

1.名詞B2
釋義

the condition or fact of two or more things being identical or extremely close in appearance, nature, or character — for example, when objects, people, or situations match so closely that it is hard to tell them apart.

例句

The sameness of the two paintings made it hard for visitors to pick the original.

the sameness + of + two [nouns]

The twin towers shared a surprising sameness in design despite being built years apart.

同義詞
  • similarity

    the most common and neutral alternative; suitable for everyday and academic use

  • likeness

    slightly more formal; often used when talking about appearance or physical traits

  • identity

    stronger and more factual; implies an exact match rather than mere similarity

  • uniformity

    emphasizes consistent sameness across a group, often in design or standards

反義詞
  • difference

    the state of being unlike or distinct

  • diversity

    a wide range of different or distinct qualities, often in a group setting

文法句型

the sameness + of + [noun phrase]

a/the sameness + in + [quality]

用法筆記

In this sense, 'sameness' is less common and more formal than 'similarity' or 'likeness'. It typically requires a following 'of'-phrase ('the sameness of the two designs') to specify what is being compared. The word often carries a slightly neutral-to-negative tone, unlike 'identity', which is purely factual.

常見錯誤

❌The sameness between the twins is remarkable.
✅The similarity between the twins is remarkable.
💡'sameness' can sound negative or overly formal; 'similarity' is the neutral, everyday word.
❌There is a sameness in their voices.
✅There is a similarity in their voices.
💡Use 'similarity' for a neutral observation about a shared quality.

2. a boring or wearying quality that comes from everything being the same, without

2.名詞B2
釋義

a boring or wearying quality that comes from everything being the same, without any change, variety, or excitement — for example, the dull repetition of daily routines or the lack of contrast in scenery.

例句

Maria grew tired of the gray sameness of her morning commute after three years.

gray sameness + of [routine/commute/daily life]

Kenta signed up for a pottery class to break the sameness of the weekend.

break the sameness

同義詞
  • monotony

    the closest and most direct synonym; emphasizes the lack of change or variety

  • tedium

    focuses on the feeling of boredom and weariness that results from repetition

  • repetitiveness

    highlights the repeated, unchanging pattern of events or tasks

  • dullness

    more informal; emphasizes the lack of interest or excitement

反義詞
  • variety

    the quality of having many different types, forms, or features

  • diversity

    a wide range of distinct or different elements within a whole

  • novelty

    the quality of being new, original, or unusual

文法句型

the sameness + of + [noun phrase]

break + the sameness + of + [noun phrase]

adjective + sameness

用法筆記

This sense always carries a negative tone of boredom or dissatisfaction. It is frequently modified by adjectives such as 'gray', 'dull', 'deadening', or 'monotonous'. The fixed expression 'break the sameness' (meaning to introduce variety) is common in both speech and writing.

常見錯誤

❌I enjoy the sameness of my morning coffee.
✅I enjoy the consistency of my morning coffee.
💡'sameness' implies boring repetition; use 'consistency' for a positive, reliable quality.
❌The sameness of the hotel rooms was comforting.
✅The uniformity of the hotel rooms was comforting.
💡'sameness' has a negative bias; 'uniformity' is neutral and can be positive or negative depending on context.