dissimilar
UK: dɪˈsɪmɪlə | US: dɪˈsɪmɪlər
adj. not alike; different in nature, form, or quality
adj. lacking similarity; unalike
dissimilar = dis<not, opposite of> + similar<alike>
- dis: A Latin prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of," often used to negate the root word (e.g., disagree, disconnect).
- similar: Derived from Latin similis ("alike"), retaining its core meaning of resemblance or likeness.
Etymology Origin:
The word dissimilar emerged in the late 16th century by combining the negating prefix dis- with similar, directly conveying "not alike." This logical construction reflects Latin influence, where dis- was frequently paired with roots to invert meanings. The root similar traces back to similis, a Latin term for likeness, which also gave rise to words like simulate and assimilate. The fusion of these morphemes creates a clear, intuitive contrast to similar.
The two paintings are strikingly dissimilar in style and color palette.
Despite being twins, their personalities are entirely dissimilar.
The study compared dissimilar approaches to solving the problem.
The results were dissimilar to what the researchers had predicted.
Their opinions on the matter remain fundamentally dissimilar.