not dissimilar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not dissimilar" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to express that two or more things are quite similar. For example: The cuisine in Mexico and Peru is not dissimilar; they both put a heavy emphasis on rice and beans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not dissimilar?

The Guardian

The style was not dissimilar.

The Guardian - Sport

The atmosphere is not dissimilar.

The Guardian

The two communities are not dissimilar politically.

The New York Times

At Cornell, the feelings were not dissimilar.

The New York Times

It is not dissimilar in the Pro12.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not dissimilar from trading oil futures, he said.

The New York Times

Their rackets are not dissimilar from their significant others.

The New York Times - Sports

The situation is not dissimilar in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

In real life, the story is not dissimilar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The targets are not dissimilar (to those set for Lennon).

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not dissimilar", follow up with specific examples or explanations of the similarities to provide context and clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "not dissimilar" when the items being compared are, in fact, significantly different. Ensure there is a genuine basis for comparison to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not dissimilar" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something shares similarities with something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not dissimilar" serves as a nuanced way to express similarity, carefully acknowledging potential differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this adjectival phrase sees frequent use across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business communications. When writing, it's best to follow up with specific examples to provide clarity. Keep in mind that "not dissimilar" should be used when there is a genuine basis for comparison to avoid overstating similarity. Alternatives such as "quite similar" or "fairly alike" can be considered depending on the context and desired level of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite similar

Indicates a high degree of similarity, emphasizing that the items being compared are largely alike.

fairly alike

Suggests a notable resemblance, though perhaps with some minor differences.

somewhat analogous

Highlights a parallel or correspondence in certain aspects, often used in more formal contexts.

not entirely different

Emphasizes that while there are distinctions, the items share fundamental similarities.

bear resemblance

Highlights that items share similar attributes or features.

have similarities

Focuses on the presence of shared characteristics, without specifying the degree of similarity.

related in some ways

Implies a connection or link, suggesting shared traits or origins.

comparable to

Suggests similarities sufficient to allow comparison, often used to draw parallels.

shares characteristics with

Points out specific overlapping qualities or features between items.

akin to

Indicates a similarity in nature or quality, often used in a literary or descriptive context.

FAQs

How do I use "not dissimilar" in a sentence?

Use "not dissimilar" to point out resemblances without implying exact equivalence. For example, "The challenges they faced were "not dissimilar" to our own."

What are some alternatives to "not dissimilar"?

Alternatives include "quite similar", "fairly alike", or "somewhat analogous", depending on the specific context and the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is it better to say "similar" or "not dissimilar"?

It depends on the nuance you wish to convey. "Similar" directly asserts a likeness. "Not dissimilar" suggests a likeness while acknowledging potential differences. Using "not dissimilar" can be useful when you want to avoid claiming that two things are exactly the same.

What's the difference between "not dissimilar" and "different"?

"Different" indicates a lack of similarity. "Not dissimilar" indicates a degree of similarity, even if there are also differences. The two terms express opposing concepts.