similarity

A way in which two or more people or things are alike, or the fact that they are alike.

• There is one similarity between our plans.
• We noticed several similarities in the two reports.
• What similarities do these languages share?

How to use it: similarity between A and B (There is a similarity between their approaches to teaching.); similarity to something (His story has a surprising similarity to mine.)

Similar words: likeness, resemblance

Opposites: difference, dissimilarity

Common phrases: similarity between things, striking similarity, share a similarity

The fact that someone or something looks like another person or thing.

• The similarity between their faces surprised me.
• This painting has a strong similarity to that photograph.
• Despite their visual similarities, the two plants are unrelated.

How to use it: similarity to someone/something (The child's similarity to her grandmother is striking.); similarity in appearance (Their similarity in appearance sometimes confuses visitors.)

Similar words: resemblance, likeness

Opposites: dissimilarity

Common phrases: facial similarity, visual similarity, similarity in appearance