What does similar mean?
Similar is an adjective describing two people, things, situations, or qualities that resemble one another in some respect. It is used when there is a noticeable likeness but not necessarily exact identity: two buildings may be similar in design, two accounts may be similar in their description of events, or two people may have similar interests. The phrase “similar to” is the usual construction, although it can be omitted when the comparison is already clear. Similar is common in neutral, everyday English across British and American usage. It is more qualified than identical, which implies complete sameness, and less evaluative than comparable, which often suggests that two things may usefully or fairly be judged against one another. The related adverb similarly expresses sameness in manner, degree, or circumstance, while similarity names the quality of being alike.
adjectiveHaving a resemblance to someone or something in appearance, character, or some other respect. Similar things are alike in particular qualities, without necessarily being identical.
- Having qualities, features, or an appearance that resemble those of another person or thing.
- Resembling another person or thing in a particular respect, such as style, behaviour, function, or circumstances.
"The two designs are similar, but the second has a noticeably darker colour."
"We have similar interests, although we live in different countries."
"The new route is similar to the old one, but it avoids the town centre."
Similar describes things that share a likeness without claiming they are identical—a distinction that keeps comparisons precise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does similar come from?
Similar comes through French from the Latin adjective similis, meaning “like” or “resembling.” The Latin word is related to forms such as simile, a comparison saying that two things are alike, and similitude, meaning likeness or a representation. The English word has long been used for things sharing a resemblance, while its derivatives similarly and similarity developed from the same wider Latin family.
Related word forms
How similar is actually used
Similar is commonly followed by the preposition to: similar to someone or something. It is generally less direct than identical and can suggest that noticeable differences remain.
Easily confused with similar
Similar means resembling or alike in some respect, whereas simulate means to imitate or represent something, often for a purpose.
Similar is normally an adjective describing likeness, while similarly is an adverb meaning in a similar way or to a similar extent.