What does similarly mean?
Similarly is an adverb meaning “in a similar way” or “to a similar extent.” It is commonly used when two people, actions, conditions, or ideas share comparable characteristics: two teams may perform similarly, or two regions may be similarly affected by a policy or weather event. The word is formally neutral and works well in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. Unlike similar, which describes a close resemblance as an adjective, similarly explains the manner or degree of comparison. It is also useful for drawing a parallel without suggesting that the things being compared are exactly alike. The related adjective similar is especially frequent in phrases such as similarly situated and similarly structured.
adverbIn a similar way or to a similar extent. It is used to compare two people, situations, or circumstances and indicate that they have an important feature or degree in common.
- In a similar way; comparably.
"The two proposals address the same problem in similarly practical ways."
"Both applicants have similarly strong academic backgrounds."
"The southern and northern regions experienced similarly severe weather conditions."
Similarly is the bridge between describing a resemblance and showing how resemblance works in practice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does similarly come from?
Similarly is formed from the adjective similar with the adverbial suffix -ly. Similar came through Middle English from Latin similis, meaning “like” or “comparable,” a word related to similitudo, “likeness.” The adverbial meaning developed in English during the late Middle English period and has continued to be used in both formal writing and speech.
How similarly is actually used
Formally neutral and common in academic, professional, and general English. It can suggest that two things resemble each other in a particular respect, rather than that they are identical.
Easily confused with similarly
Similar is primarily an adjective describing close resemblance, whereas similarly is an adverb describing the way an action or situation is performed.