symmetry

/ˈsɪmətri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪmətri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsi-mə-trē/ (ame, mw)

symmetry — noun

1. a visually pleasing quality that comes from having matching shapes, sizes, or po

1.名詞B2
釋義

a visually pleasing quality that comes from having matching shapes, sizes, or positions on both sides of a central line or point — for example, the identical wings of a butterfly or the balanced windows on either side of a door.

例句

Theo admired the symmetry of the temple entrance, with identical stone lions on each side.

noun + of [building] + with [matching features on each side]

The architect designed the garden with careful symmetry, planting the same flowers on both sides.

noun + with [adjective] describing the arrangement

同義詞
  • balance

    emphasizes weight distribution; more general than symmetry (e.g., balance in diet)

  • proportion

    focuses on the size relationship between parts; can apply even when sides are not mirror images

  • harmony

    broader — refers to any pleasing combination of parts, not necessarily matching sides

反義詞

用法筆記

This general sense is uncountable. It often describes architecture, design, art, nature, or the human face. To talk about something that has this quality, use the adjectives 'symmetrical' or 'symmetric'.

常見錯誤

❌The building has a symmetry.
✅The building has symmetry.
💡symmetry is uncountable; do not use 'a' before it.
❌The two sides are symmetry.
✅The two sides are symmetrical.
💡use the adjective form when describing something as having symmetry.

2. a mathematical property of shapes and figures: if a straight line can be drawn t

2.名詞B2
釋義

a mathematical property of shapes and figures: if a straight line can be drawn through the center so that every point on one side has an identical partner at the same distance on the other side, like a left hand and a right hand facing each other.

例句

Yuki learned in math class that a square has four lines of symmetry.

collocation: line(s) of symmetry

Clara drew a butterfly and checked its symmetry by folding the paper along the center.

同義詞
  • reflection symmetry

    more specific — refers to symmetry created by mirroring across a line

  • mirror symmetry

    an everyday term for reflection symmetry, often used in school geometry

反義詞
  • asymmetry

    the lack of any symmetry; opposite of having a matching mirror half

用法筆記

In mathematics, 'symmetry' is countable when referring to types or instances of symmetry (e.g., 'a square has four symmetries'). This sense is most commonly paired with the prepositions 'of' and 'in', and the noun 'line' or 'axis' before 'of symmetry'.

常見錯誤

❌A triangle can has symmetry.
✅A triangle can have symmetry.
💡'has' is not used after 'can'.
❌symmetry axis
✅axis of symmetry
💡the standard word order is 'line/axis of symmetry', not 'symmetry line/axis'.