symmetrical

/sɪˈmetrɪkl/ (bre, ipa) · [səmˈɛtrɪkəl] /sɪˈmetrɪkl/ (ame, ipa) · [səmˈɛtrɪkəl] /sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)/ (ame, mw)

symmetrical — adjective

  • symmetricalpositive
  • more symmetricalcomparative
  • most symmetricalsuperlative

1. describing an object or form whose two sides match each other perfectly, as if r

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing an object or form whose two sides match each other perfectly, as if reflected in a mirror

例句

The butterfly rested on the leaf, its symmetrical wings catching the morning light.

symmetrical + body part (wings, face, features)

Ignacio folded the paper in half to make a perfectly symmetrical cut-out shape.

同義詞
  • balanced

    broader — suggests visual stability without requiring exact mirroring

  • even

    simpler word, more often about surfaces or quantities

  • mirrored

    more vivid, emphasises the reflection quality

反義詞
  • asymmetrical

    direct opposite — not matching on both sides

  • lopsided

    informal, suggests something is visibly heavier or larger on one side

  • uneven

    simpler word, can describe surfaces or arrangements that are not regular

用法筆記

Object must be something with visible parts or sides (a face, room, design, shape). Frequently used with 'perfectly' or 'not quite' to describe how closely the halves match.

常見錯誤

❌Her face is very symmetrical to her mother's.
✅Her face is very symmetrical
💡both sides match perfectly.' — symmetrical describes one object's two halves matching each other, not similarity between two different objects.

2. describing an arrangement or relationship where both sides are equal, each givin

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing an arrangement or relationship where both sides are equal, each giving or receiving the same as the other — for example, partners sharing the workload evenly, or a contract granting matching rights to both parties

例句

Cyrus and Beatrix ran the bakery as a symmetrical partnership — each worked the same shifts for equal pay.

symmetrical + relationship noun (partnership, arrangement, agreement)

The marketing and sales departments made a symmetrical deal — each paid half the conference fee and ran two workshops.

同義詞
  • reciprocal

    more formal, emphasises mutual exchange

  • equal

    simpler word, focuses on quantity or value rather than structural balance

  • even-handed

    informal, specifically about fair treatment

反義詞
  • one-sided

    direct opposite — favouring one party over another

  • unequal

    simpler word, suggests an imbalance in what each side gets

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (MIRRORED HALVES): this use describes relationships, agreements, and systems — not physical shapes. Common in formal writing about deals, policies, and organisational structures.

常見錯誤

❌The contract was symmetrical between the two companies.
✅The contract was symmetrical.
💡symmetrical already means both sides match; adding 'between the two' is redundant.