Comparable vs. Similar — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Comparable and Similar
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Compare with Definitions
Comparable
Admitting of comparison with another or others
“The satellite revolution is comparable to Gutenberg's invention of movable type” (Irvin Molotsky).
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical
Northern India and similar areas
A soft cheese similar to Brie
Comparable
Similar or equivalent
Pianists of comparable ability.
Similar
A person or thing similar to another
He was one of those whose similar you never meet
Comparable
(often with to) Able to be compared (to).
An elephant is comparable in size to a double-decker bus.
You can't say that robbing a bank is like pickpocketing. The two are just not comparable.
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Similar
A substance that produces effects resembling the symptoms of particular diseases (the basis of homeopathic treatment)
The principle of treatment by similars
Comparable
(often with to) Similar (to); like.
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance or nature; alike though not identical.
Comparable
(mathematics) Constituting a pair in a particular partial order.
Six and forty-two are comparable in the divides order, but six and nine are not.
Similar
(Mathematics) Having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional. Used of geometric figures
Similar triangles.
Comparable
(grammar) Said of an adjective that has comparative and superlative forms.
"Big" is a comparable adjective, since it can take the forms "bigger" and "biggest"; but "unique" is not comparable, except in disputed, but common, usage.
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.
Comparable
Something suitable for comparison.
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.
Comparable
Capable of being compared; worthy of comparison.
There is no blessing of life comparable to the enjoyment of a discreet and virtuous friend.
Similar
Of two square matrices; being such that a conjugation sends one matrix to the other.
Comparable
Able to be compared or worthy of comparison
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Comparable
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Similar
(homeopathy) A material that produces an effect that resembles the symptoms of a particular disease.
Similar
Exactly corresponding; resembling in all respects; precisely like.
Similar
Nearly corresponding; resembling in many respects; somewhat like; having a general likeness.
Similar
Homogenous; uniform.
Similar
That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.
Similar
Marked by correspondence or resemblance;
Similar food at similar prices
Problems similar to mine
They wore similar coats
Similar
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
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
Similar
(of words) expressing closely related meanings
Similar
Capable of replacing or changing places with something else;
Interchangeable parts
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