dissimilar

Everyday

1. Not the same; different from each other. tree →
2. «Not dissimilar» means quite similar. tree →

In the lessons

In science and maths, dissimilar things are compared and contrasted; in maths, dissimilar shapes do not have the same proportions; in English, «not dissimilar» is a polite way of saying alike; phrases: «dissimilar to», «not dissimilar».

Examples

• The two sisters are very dissimilar: one is loud, one is quiet. tree →
• A bat and a bird are dissimilar in many ways. tree →
• The twins wore dissimilar hats so we could tell them apart. tree →
• Her answer was not dissimilar to mine. tree →
• Dissimilar triangles have different angles. tree →
• The two rocks look dissimilar under the microscope. tree →

Note

Double s. Followed by «to» or «from». Opposite: similar. More formal than «different».