similar
/ˈsɪmələ(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪmələr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsi-mə-lər ˈsim-lər/ (ame, mw)
similar — adjective
- similarpositive
- more similarcomparative
- most similarsuperlative
1. almost the same as someone or something else, sharing some features or qualities
almost the same as someone or something else, sharing some features or qualities without being identical
Ryo's jacket is similar to Minh's, but has a different collar design.
similar + to + [noun] (comparison)
The two bakeries offer a similar menu, though their prices are quite different.
similar + noun (attributive use)
Élise found a dress similar to the one she saw in the magazine last month.
Their handwriting styles are remarkably similar, even though they live in different countries.
Arjun and his cousin have similar opinions about the new housing project.
- alike
usually used predicatively (look alike); less common before a noun
- comparable
suggests things can be reasonably compared; often used in formal contexts
- resembling
focuses on visual likeness; usually followed by a noun phrase
- analogous
more formal; describes similarity in function or structure across different domains
- different
the most common opposite; not the same in any relevant way
- dissimilar
more formal; completely unlike in important qualities
- unlike
emphasises contrast; often used in direct comparisons
文法句型
be similar to [noun/pronoun]
be similar in [quality]
be very/quite/remarkably similar
用法筆記
Often followed by the preposition 'to' when making a direct comparison (similar to something) or 'in' when specifying a shared quality (similar in appearance). Adverbs such as 'very', 'quite', 'remarkably', 'strikingly', and 'somewhat' commonly modify the adjective to indicate degree.
常見錯誤
2. in geometry, describing figures that match in form and angle measures, while pos
in geometry, describing figures that match in form and angle measures, while possibly varying in size or placement
All squares are similar because every square has four equal angles regardless of size.
similar (geometric property of matching angles)
Zuri proved the two triangles are similar by comparing their angles and sides.
prove + [noun] + are similar
One rectangle is much larger than the other, yet both shapes remain similar in proportion.
Minh drew a figure similar to the one in the book by keeping the same angles.
- proportional
focuses on the ratio of side lengths rather than angle equality
- corresponding
describes matching parts (angles, sides) between two geometric figures
- dissimilar
not having the same shape or angle measurements
文法句型
be similar to [geometric figure]
be similar (of triangles, polygons)
用法筆記
In geometry, 'similar' has a precise technical meaning: two figures are similar if their corresponding angles are equal and their corresponding side lengths are proportional. Do not confuse with 'congruent', which means identical in both shape and size.