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Comparable vs. Similar: What's the Difference?

Comparable and Similar 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 or nature; alike though not identical.

Comparable

Similar or equivalent
Pianists of comparable ability.

Similar

(Mathematics) Having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional. Used of geometric figures
Similar triangles.

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

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

(often with to) Similar (to); like.

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

(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

Of two square matrices; being such that a conjugation sends one matrix to the other.
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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

That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.

Comparable

Something suitable for comparison.

Similar

(homeopathy) A material that produces an effect that resembles the symptoms of a particular disease.

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

Exactly corresponding; resembling in all respects; precisely like.

Comparable

Able to be compared or worthy of comparison

Similar

Nearly corresponding; resembling in many respects; somewhat like; having a general likeness.

Comparable

Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year

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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