similarity

UK: ˌsɪməˈlærəti | US: ˌsɪməˈlærəti

Definition
  1. n. the state or quality of being alike in appearance, nature, or characteristics

  2. n. (mathematics) a relationship between geometric figures with proportional dimensions

Structure
similar <alike>ity <noun suffix>
Etymology

similarity = similar<alike> + ity<noun suffix>

  • similar (from Latin similis "like, resembling")
  • ity (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -itas)

Etymology Origin:
The word "similarity" traces back to Latin similis (meaning "alike"), which evolved into Old French similaire before entering English as "similar." The suffix -ity (from Latin -itas) was added to form the noun, denoting the abstract quality of resemblance. The logical progression reflects a focus on shared traits, originally applied to physical likeness and later extended to abstract comparisons.

Examples
  1. The similarity between the two paintings suggests they were created by the same artist.

  2. Linguists study the similarity of sounds across different dialects.

  3. There is a striking similarity in their approaches to problem-solving.

  4. The similarity of these triangles can be proven using geometric theorems.

  5. Despite cultural differences, humans share a fundamental similarity in emotional experiences.