similar
gb/sˈɪmɪlɚ/ us/sˈɪmɪlɚ/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
having qualities in common
Almost the same as something else, but not exactly the same.
Usage pattern:
[something] is similar to [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'similar' with 'same'. 'Similar' means almost the same, but not exactly identical.
Synonyms
alike (Often used for people or things sharing a close resemblance in appearance or nature.)
|
comparable (Used when two things can be compared, often in quality or value.)
Antonyms
different (Indicates that two things are not alike in important ways.)
|
dissimilar (Formal term for being unlike in nature or quality.)
Collocations
similar to
|very similar
|remarkably similar
|look similar
|sound similar
Themes
comparison
|description
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- These two paintings are very similar in style.
- Her voice is surprisingly similar to her mother's.
- The climate here is similar to that of southern France.
- Our ideas are quite similar, so we should work together.
Learner examples
- My bag is similar to yours.
- This color is similar to blue.
- The two houses look similar.
- Your handwriting is similar to mine.
Grammar
Dictionary form
similar
IPA
GB/sˈɪmɪlɚ/
US/sˈɪmɪlɚ/
Syllables & stress
sim - il - ar (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sim)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: similar
Word family
Core family
similarity
noun B2
similarly
adverb B1
Negative and opposite forms
dissimilar
adjective
dissimilarity
noun
Expressions
remarkably similar
1/ɹɪmˈɑɹkəbli sˈɪmɪlɚ/
fixed phrase
surprisingly alike
Looking or being more alike than you would expect.
Examples
- These two cases are remarkably similar.
- Her dress is remarkably similar to mine.
similar to
1/sˈɪmɪlɚ tə/
fixed phrase
having likeness to something
Almost the same as someone or something else.
Examples
- His accent is similar to mine.
- The design is similar to the one we saw yesterday.
strikingly similar
1/stɹˈaɪkɪŋli sˈɪmɪlɚ/
fixed phrase
very noticeably alike
Looking or being very much the same in a way you notice immediately.
Examples
- The twins are strikingly similar in appearance.
- Their opinions on the subject are strikingly similar.