Different vs. Similar: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
Different means not alike or distinct from each other; Similar means having a likeness or resemblance.
Key Differences
Different and Similar are terms we often use to describe or compare items, ideas, or concepts. Different emphasizes the uniqueness or distinctness of two or more things. For instance, a cat and a dog are different species. On the contrary, Similar underscores resemblances or commonalities between things. Both cats and dogs, for example, are similar in being domesticated pets.
Different is a word that focuses on disparities. When we look at the sun and the moon, we immediately think of their differences: one provides daylight, and the other dominates the night sky. Similar, however, draws attention to their similarities: both are celestial bodies and vital to Earth's ecosystem.
Using Different, we separate and categorize items based on their individual characteristics. In a bouquet, roses and lilies are different flowers with distinct shapes and scents. With Similar, we group or associate items. Roses and lilies can be seen as similar because they are both fragrant and popular in floral arrangements.
In discussions of opinion or perspective, the term Different often signifies a divergence in views. Two people might have different opinions on a movie. The word Similar, in such discussions, implies a convergence or agreement. They could have similar tastes in music, meaning their preferences align closely.
Different can be an absolute term at times, meaning things are entirely distinct from one another. For instance, ice and fire are different elements. In contrast, Similar allows for degrees of likeness, suggesting that two things might be somewhat alike but not identical. Ice and water are similar being both forms of H2O.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Not alike or distinct from each other.
Having a likeness or resemblance.
Focus
On disparities or contrasts.
On resemblances or commonalities.
Usage
To separate or categorize items.
To group or associate items.
In Discussions
Signifies divergence in views.
Implies a convergence or agreement.
Degrees
Can be absolute.
Allows for degrees of likeness.
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Different and Similar Definitions
Different
Not the same as another or each other.
My taste in music is different from yours.
Similar
Resembling without being identical.
Their voices are eerily similar.
Different
Not ordinary or typical.
She always had a different perspective on things.
Similar
Comparable or alike in effect.
The two drugs have similar side effects.
Different
Varying in nature or quality.
The products are different in terms of durability.
Similar
Of the same type or kind.
They both enjoy similar hobbies.
Different
Distinct or separate.
We went to different schools in the same city.
Similar
Nearly the same but not exactly.
Your shoes are similar to mine.
Different
Unique or distinct in character.
Every snowflake is different.
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance or nature; alike though not identical.
Different
Unlike in form, quality, amount, or nature; dissimilar
Took different approaches to the problem.
Similar
(Mathematics) Having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional. Used of geometric figures
Similar triangles.
Different
Distinct or separate
That's a different issue altogether.
Similar
Having traits or characteristics in common; alike, comparable.
My new car is similar to my old one, except it has a bit more space in the back.
Different
Various or assorted
Interviewed different members of the community.
Similar
(mathematics) Of geometrical figures including triangles, squares, ellipses, arcs and more complex figures, having the same shape but possibly different size, rotational orientation, and position; in particular, having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional; such that one can be had from the other using a sequence of rotations, translations and scalings.
Different
Differing from all others; unusual
A different point of view.
Similar
Of two square matrices; being such that a conjugation sends one matrix to the other.
Different
In a different way or manner; otherwise
"Carol ... didn't know different until Elinor told her" (Ben Brantley).
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Different
Not the same; exhibiting a difference.
Similar
(homeopathy) A material that produces an effect that resembles the symptoms of a particular disease.
Different
Various, assorted, diverse.
Similar
Exactly corresponding; resembling in all respects; precisely like.
Different
Distinct, separate; used for emphasis after numbers and other determiners of quantity.
Several different scientists all reached this conclusion at about the same time.
Similar
Nearly corresponding; resembling in many respects; somewhat like; having a general likeness.
Different
Unlike most others; unusual.
Similar
Homogenous; uniform.
Different
(mathematics) The different ideal.
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Different
Differently.
Similar
Marked by correspondence or resemblance;
Similar food at similar prices
Problems similar to mine
They wore similar coats
Different
Distinct; separate; not the same; other.
Similar
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Different
Of various or contrary nature, form, or quality; partially or totally unlike; dissimilar; as, different kinds of food or drink; different states of health; different shapes; different degrees of excellence.
Men are as different from each other, as the regions in which they are born are different.
Similar
Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;
Suits of like design
A limited circle of like minds
Members of the cat family have like dispositions
As like as two peas in a pod
Doglike devotion
A dreamlike quality
Different
Unlike in nature or quality or form or degree;
Took different approaches to the problem
Came to a different conclusion
Different parts of the country
On different sides of the issue
This meeting was different from the earlier one
Similar
(of words) expressing closely related meanings
Different
Distinctly separate from the first;
That's another (or different) issue altogether
Similar
Capable of replacing or changing places with something else;
Interchangeable parts
Different
Differing from all others; not ordinary;
Advertising that strives continually to be different
This new music is certainly different but I don't really like it
Similar
Having characteristics in common.
Tigers and leopards have similar patterns.
Different
Not like; marked by dissimilarity;
For twins they are very unlike
People are profoundly different
Different
Distinct or separate;
Each interviewed different members of the community
FAQs
What does Different mean?
Different means not alike or distinct from each other.
Is it correct to say "more Different" or "more Similar"?
"More similar" is commonly used, while "more different" is less common but can be used for emphasis.
How is Similar defined?
Similar means having a likeness or resemblance.
Can Different be used as a noun?
It's typically an adjective, but in phrases like "a different," it functions as a noun.
Are Different and Similar opposites?
In many contexts, they are, but it's possible for items to possess both different and similar qualities.
Can two things be both Different and Similar?
Yes, they can be different in some aspects and similar in others.
Is Similar always about visual resemblance?
No, Similar can refer to any type of likeness, not just visual.
Why would we use Different instead of dissimilar?
While both can be used, Different is more commonly used in everyday language.
How does Similar relate to the word "similarly"?
"Similarly" is an adverb form of Similar, meaning in a similar manner.
Is Similar synonymous with "identical"?
No, while Similar indicates likeness, "identical" means exactly the same.
Can things be mostly Similar?
Yes, they can be largely alike with some differences.
Can Different be used to describe opinions?
Yes, people can have different opinions or views on a topic.
Can Similar be used to describe feelings?
Yes, people can feel similarly about a situation or emotion.
Does Different always imply a negative contrast?
No, it's neutral and simply denotes distinction.
In what situations is Similar most commonly used?
Similar is often used when comparing and finding commonalities between two things.
When comparing two objects, can I say they are "kind of Different"?
Yes, it's a colloquial way to say they have some distinctions.
Can two items be slightly Different?
Yes, the degree of difference can vary.
Can Different and Similar be used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, they can describe sets, numbers, shapes, and other mathematical entities.
How does Different relate to "difference"?
"Difference" is a noun form of Different, indicating what makes two things not alike.
What's the adverb form of Different?
The adverb form is "differently."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
