certainly dissimilar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certainly dissimilar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two or more things are definitely different from each other. Example: "The two paintings are certainly dissimilar in style and technique, showcasing the unique approaches of each artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While molecular mechanism remains unclear, actin depolymerization responses we report here are certainly dissimilar from the fluidization responses observed in reconstituted actin-myosin networks, which are attributed to disruption of myosin crosslinks [17], [30], [31].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Certainly, structurally very dissimilar compounds have been shown to be important in morphogenesis in different actinomycetes such as SapT and goadsporin.

ACS Chemical Biology

Back in Viadeo's world, they've given the site a long-awaited face-lift which has left it looking more Facebook-like, with a much improved interface not dissimilar to LinkedIn or Xing, but certainly more navigable.

TechCrunch

While TSDs and "dissimilar" TSDs flanking the CitMule elements are certainly TA rich sequences, Figure  5 suggests that the preferred insertion sites of CitMule are bendable A/T triplets.

BMC Genomics

While the eras certainly were quite different, Brady and Bradshaw are not entirely dissimilar.

The New York Times

It certainly resonates in 2015 when current international instability and conflicts can seem not dissimilar to those that drove White into reclusion; this is a good time to discover, or rediscover, the book, and the reissue, with its illustrated jacket faintly recalling the original, an attractive starting point.

Independent

He is a man, she is a woman and if symbiosis means two dissimilar organisms in an intimate interdependent association, according to its original biological definition, then certainly the pair are in close union.

The New York Times - Arts

She wrote of the dance: "Its spacial level called to mind capoeira, the spectacular Brazilian dance cum martial art form that incorporates kartwheels, kicks, and feints low to the ground, but the two were dissimilar enough in shape and timing that capoeira seemed at most only a distant relative, and certainly one the breakdancers weren't acquainted with at least on a conscious level".

Wikipedia

It certainly seems like a lot of dosh to replace a couple of bus routes with things that are actually not dissimilar to buses.

BBC

Not dissimilar?

The Guardian

They're obviously dissimilar.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certainly dissimilar" to emphasize a clear and definite difference between two or more items, especially when countering an assumption of similarity.

Common error

Avoid using "certainly dissimilar" in casual conversation; it's better suited for formal writing or situations where precision is required. Consider using simpler alternatives like "very different" or "not alike" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certainly dissimilar" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun (or implied noun) by emphasizing the degree of difference. Ludwig AI shows this usage in a scientific context, where actin depolymerization responses are "certainly dissimilar" from other observed phenomena.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certainly dissimilar" is used to emphasize a clear distinction between two or more entities. It functions as an adjectival phrase and is most appropriate for formal or scientific contexts, according to Ludwig. While grammatically correct, it is relatively rare in general usage. Consider alternative phrases like "undoubtedly distinct" or "clearly different" for similar emphasis with potentially broader applicability. As Ludwig AI states, it is indeed correct and usable, emphasizing that two or more things are definitely different from each other.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undoubtedly distinct

Emphasizes the lack of doubt regarding the difference.

clearly different

Highlights the obvious nature of the dissimilarity.

markedly dissimilar

Highlights the noticeable degree of difference.

definitely unalike

Uses "unalike" to underscore the absence of similarity.

assuredly contrasting

Focuses on the contrasting nature with certainty.

distinctly disparate

Emphasizes the wide gap and separation between the items.

patently divergent

Highlights the obvious divergence or deviation.

unquestionably diverse

Stresses the diversity and lack of commonality without question.

positively unequivalent

Reinforces the absence of equivalence in a firm manner.

absolutely heterogeneous

Uses "heterogeneous" to describe a complete lack of uniformity.

FAQs

How can I use "certainly dissimilar" in a sentence?

Use "certainly dissimilar" to emphasize that two things are definitively not alike, for example: "While they share a common ancestor, their current lifestyles are "certainly dissimilar"".

What's a less formal alternative to "certainly dissimilar"?

If you're looking for a less formal way to express that two things are not alike, consider using phrases like "very different", "not alike", or "completely different".

Is it redundant to use "certainly dissimilar"?

While "dissimilar" already implies a lack of similarity, adding "certainly" reinforces the definiteness and clarity of the difference. This is useful when the dissimilarity may not be immediately obvious.

What's the difference between "certainly dissimilar" and "slightly different"?

"Certainly dissimilar" indicates a clear and significant difference, while "slightly different" suggests only a minor variation. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to emphasize.