absolutely similar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely similar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two or more things are completely alike or indistinguishable in certain aspects. Example: "The two paintings are absolutely similar in style and color, making it difficult to tell them apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There are no identical units in art, because no two works are ever absolutely similar, making exact calculation impossible.

The New York Times

The rate was actually higher in 2000, he said, "and moreover, the rate was absolutely similar to the overall French corresponding population".

The New York Times

"My parents were from Goa, Dad worked for Aden Airways and later BOAC [the British Overseas Airways Corporation], and he found a house for us in Twickenham, a semi-detached three-bedroom house that was so absolutely similar to this one, with such a similar layout.

The Guardian

The general case is absolutely similar.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Results are absolutely similar and are available from the authors on request.

IZA Journal of Migration

"We know that every person with Down syndrome will show pathology absolutely similar to that of Alzheimer's disease by the age of 40," Salehi said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"And I absolutely remember thinking similar things when I was at school.

The Guardian

"The commercial is becoming an endangered species, so if we can get product placement in a program, that's awesome," Mr. Sellers said, adding that his company would "absolutely" consider sponsoring similar segments on "The Other Half" next season.

The New York Times

So we're absolutely determined to do similar deals".

The Guardian

It's absolutely delicious and quite similar to one my mother used to make when I was a child, though better – she used ribbon pasta, which didn't stick together so well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We felt that kind of pressure with The 5th Dimension, so absolutely, we felt a similar kind of pressure because we had had the hit, we had had the TV show.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely similar" when you want to emphasize that two or more things are virtually indistinguishable. Be mindful of the context, ensuring that the strong assertion of likeness is appropriate and accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely similar" when there are noticeable differences between the items being compared. Overstating the similarity can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Be sure to carefully consider if "nearly identical" or "strongly resemble" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely similar" functions as an intensifier (absolutely) modifying an adjective (similar). It indicates a very high degree of likeness. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely similar" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a very high degree of likeness between two or more things. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news and media, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the strong assertion of similarity. Alternatives include "completely identical", "exactly alike", and "virtually the same", allowing for nuanced expression depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely identical

This phrase suggests perfect agreement or sameness in all aspects, offering a stronger emphasis on uniformity.

exactly alike

This option focuses on the absence of any discernible differences, emphasizing precision in similarity.

virtually the same

This indicates a high degree of similarity, with any differences being negligible or unimportant.

nearly identical

This signifies a very close resemblance, with only minor variations present.

strikingly similar

This highlights a noticeable or remarkable resemblance, often implying surprise or unexpected likeness.

remarkably alike

This emphasizes the surprising or noteworthy nature of the similarity.

closely resemble

This option focuses on visual or superficial similarities, often used to describe appearances.

strongly resemble

Indicates a considerable degree of likeness, but not necessarily a complete match.

largely comparable

Suggests that the items or concepts share many significant features, making them suitable for comparison.

broadly analogous

Emphasizes similarities in function or structure, suggesting a parallel or correspondence between the items.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely similar" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely similar" to emphasize a complete likeness between two or more things. For example: "The two houses were "absolutely similar", making it difficult to distinguish them."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely similar"?

Alternatives include "completely identical", "exactly alike", or "virtually the same", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "absolutely similar" in formal writing?

Yes, "absolutely similar" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning. However, consider whether a more precise term, like "completely identical", might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "absolutely similar" and "very similar"?

"Absolutely similar" suggests that there are virtually no differences, while "very similar" implies that there are some differences, but they are minor. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of likeness.