look dissimilar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look dissimilar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing two or more things that do not appear similar or alike in appearance or characteristics. Example: "The two paintings look dissimilar, despite being created by the same artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is not so much that the houses were designed to look dissimilar, though by the 1880s that was a common tactic.

The New York Times

According to Andrew O'Brien, head of policy and engagement at the Charity Finance Group, this 7.5% figure doesn't look dissimilar to what charities might have to offer in the future.

The Guardian

Under the blue skies of the African savannah, "a tiny queen is about to commence her rule …" A honeyed-voiced Tamsin Greig narrates this insect's-eye-view of the life of a queen bee; they might not look dissimilar to their workers, but are distinguished by their pheromone: they smell like royalty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It can be noticed that after the rotation, the capture region and the embedded region look dissimilar.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Although different species might look dissimilar, the unity among organisms becomes apparent from an analysis of internal structures, the similarity of their chemical processes, and the evidence of common ancestry".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

At the middle school level, the NSES point out the different levels at which we can assess homology: "Although different species might look dissimilar, the unity among organisms becomes apparent from an analysis of internal structures, the similarity of their chemical processes, and the evidence of common ancestry".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is interesting since most of the period portraits of Washington looked dissimilar, as if each were of a different person.

The New York Times

"After all, if Cherish had been the real chemist and Lacebark the fake one, then the two kitchens should have looked dissimilar, because Lacebark didn't know Win personally … It was only if Cherish herself was the counterfeiter that the two kitchens could have matched so exactly, because …" But I didn't care why.

The Guardian - Books

Swingman Elfrid has the potential to make fans forget about the recently departed Jameer Nelson, while forward Gordon's athleticism and defensive ability have not looked dissimilar to his game at the University of Arizona, where he was named in the All-Pac-12 first team in his one and only year.

The Guardian - Sport

An immigrant who looks similar to a native poses a larger "threat" than one who looks dissimilar and may have a harder time competing.

IZA Journal of Migration

At first sight, the architecture of the MukBEF complex looks dissimilar because the kleisin, MukF, dimerizes through its N-terminal domain, while the C-terminal domains interact with a 'cap' in the heads of the MukB dimer in the absence of nucleotide, giving a symmetrical complex (Fig. 1; Woo et al., 2009).

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look dissimilar" when you want to emphasize the visual differences between two or more things. For example, "Despite being siblings, they "look dissimilar".".

Common error

While "look dissimilar" is acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can sound less sophisticated. Consider using stronger alternatives like "differ significantly" or "exhibit marked differences" to enhance the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look dissimilar" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a perceived difference in appearance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically sound construction. The phrase serves to highlight the absence of visual similarity between two or more subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look dissimilar" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe notable differences in appearance. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, confirming that it is a sound and acceptable way to convey visual distinctions. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and general descriptions, suggesting a neutral register. For more formal or technical writing, consider alternatives like "differ significantly" or "exhibit marked differences".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear different

Changes the verb from "look" to "appear" while maintaining the core meaning of being not alike.

seem unlike

Replaces "look" with "seem" and "dissimilar" with "unlike", emphasizing a perceived difference.

bear no resemblance

Indicates a complete absence of similarity in appearance.

lack similarity

Focuses on the absence of shared characteristics or traits.

differ in appearance

Highlights the difference in how something presents itself visually.

contrast sharply

Emphasizes a strong and noticeable difference.

stand apart

Suggests that things are noticeably distinct from each other.

exhibit differences

Formal way of saying that things show differences.

diverge in form

Implies differences in the physical shape or structure.

present a contrast

Highlights a noticeable difference when compared.

FAQs

What does it mean when things "look dissimilar"?

When things "look dissimilar", it means they have noticeable differences in their appearance, making them easily distinguishable from each other.

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

You can say, "The two houses "look dissimilar" despite being built in the same era." Or, "The twins "look dissimilar" to each other, making it easy to tell them apart."

What are some alternatives to "look dissimilar"?

Alternatives include "appear different", "seem unlike", or "bear no resemblance", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "look dissimilar"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The verb "look" is correctly paired with the adjective "dissimilar" to describe appearance.