similar

[ sim-uh-ler ]
/ ˈsɪm ə lər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR similar ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way: two similar houses.
Geometry. (of figures) having the same shape; having corresponding sides proportional and corresponding angles equal: similar triangles.
Mathematics. (of two square matrices) related by means of a similarity transformation.

Origin of similar

1605–15; earlier similary < French similaire or Medieval Latin similāris, equivalent to Latin simil(is) like, similar (akin to simul together; cf. simplex) + -āris -ar1

SYNONYMS FOR similar

1 like, resembling. See same.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR similar ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM similar

Words nearby similar

simian shelf, simian virus, simian virus 40, simianization, simic, similar, similarity, similarity transformation, simile, similia similibus curantur, similitude

Words related to similar

identical, comparable, complementary, related, akin, analogous, like, agnate, allied, coincident, coincidental, collateral, companion, congruent, congruous, consonant, corresponding, homogeneous, kin, kindred

Example sentences from the Web for similar

British Dictionary definitions for similar

similar
/ (ˈsɪmɪlə) /

adjective

showing resemblance in qualities, characteristics, or appearance; alike but not identical
geometry (of two or more figures) having corresponding angles equal and all corresponding sides in the same ratio Compare congruent (def. 2)
maths (of two classes) equinumerous

Derived forms of similar

similarity (ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪtɪ), noun similarly, adverb

Word Origin for similar

C17: from Old French similaire, from Latin similis

usage for similar

As should not be used after similar: Wilson held a similar position to Jones (not a similar position as Jones); the system is similar to the one in France (not similar as the one in France)