similarity

similarity — noun

1. how much or in what ways someone or something is like another person or thing, w

1.名詞B1
釋義

how much or in what ways someone or something is like another person or thing, without necessarily being identical — for instance, two sweaters from different shops that have the same colour and shape.

例句

There is a clear similarity between the handwriting on the note and Eve's signature.

similarity between [noun] and [noun]

Lakshmi saw a striking similarity between her grandmother's recipes and the old cookbook.

striking similarity — strong degree of likeness

同義詞
  • resemblance

    Often limited to physical or outward likeness; stronger than similarity in visual contexts

  • likeness

    Slightly more formal; can apply to both physical and abstract qualities

  • affinity

    Suggests a natural connection or shared underlying quality, not just surface alikeness

反義詞
  • difference

    The general opposite; something that makes things unlike each other

  • dissimilarity

    The formal counterpart; used when highlighting lack of likeness

文法句型

similarity between X and Y

similarity of X to Y

用法筆記

Typically uncountable; refers to the general quality of being alike in appearance, character, or nature. When a specific likeness is being counted, the countable form (see sense 2) is used instead.

常見錯誤

❌There are many similarity between the two cities.
✅There is much similarity between the two cities.
💡Here 'similarity' is an uncountable quality; use 'much' not 'many'.
❌The similarity of the twins is striking.' (when referring to specific shared features)
✅The similarities between the twins are striking.
💡Specific shared features need the plural countable form.

2. a specific feature, detail, or aspect that two or more things or people share, m

2.名詞B1
釋義

a specific feature, detail, or aspect that two or more things or people share, making them alike in that particular way — for example, two smartphone models that share the same screen resolution.

例句

Though raised in different countries, Marco and Apinya found surprising similarities in their family traditions.

discover similarities in [noun phrase]

The teacher asked the class to list similarities between the novel and the film.

list the similarities between [noun] and [noun]

同義詞
  • commonality

    Used especially in data/comparison contexts; slightly more technical

  • parallel

    Emphasises a comparable development or pattern across different contexts

  • correspondence

    Highlights a direct match between features; more formal

  • analogy

    A similarity of function or structure between things that are otherwise different

反義詞
  • difference

    A specific feature that distinguishes rather than unites

  • distinction

    Emphasises a clear separating feature between similar items

文法句型

similarities between X and Y

similarities in [noun phrase]

have similarities

用法筆記

Always countable; each similarity is one specific shared feature. The plural form (similarities) is very common when listing or comparing multiple shared aspects. Distinguish from sense 1, which treats likeness as an uncountable quality rather than individual features.

常見錯誤

❌A similarity of the two movies is their music.
✅A similarity between the two movies is their music.
💡Use 'between' (not 'of') when comparing two entities.
❌The two books has some similarities.
✅The two books have some similarities.
💡'Similarities' is plural countable; the verb must agree ('have', not 'has').