similitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "similitude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a similarity between two or more things. For example, you could say: "The similitude between the two paintings was striking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The modern third district is actually in western Oklahoma, strongly Republican, and prouder of its western farming and ranching heritage than any similitude to the South.Brady Henderson Norman, OklahomaBushset fairSIR – You state that "fewer than half say they would re-elect Mr Bush if a presidential election were held today" ("What did he do?", July 20th).

The Economist

The metaphor — as similitude — almost "fails," but it is blazingly successful in the context of the poem's address to a young man who has not yet "lain with a woman".

The New Yorker

The metaphor can't be a visual similitude (although white, gauzy clouds could look somehow more virginal than heavy ones pregnant with rain).

The New Yorker

Notice, too, how the narrator's father, in the act of denigrating similitude, was forced to depend on it: "the thing itself" is apparently the thing that can "turn on the lights or leave us in the dark".

The New Yorker

Some add an extra layer of projection and interpretation; they adhere to a certain theory of compatibility, rooted in psychology or brain chemistry or genetic coding, or they define themselves by other, more readily obvious indicators of similitude, such as race, religion, sexual predilection, sense of humor, or musical taste.

The New Yorker

But despite these efforts and their popularity, a similitude often prevails: D.J.'s spinning electronic music, talks, art-house movies and the indispensable cash bar.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

In the Renaissance world of monstrosities, marvels, and similitudes, chance allied to fate was not readily naturalized, and sober calculation had its limits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But plenty of writers can conjure exciting similitudes.

The New Yorker

"The Biographer's Tale" takes its epigraph from Goethe: "These similitudes are charming and entertaining, and who does not enjoy playing with analogies?" Playful analogies and correspondences on the level of Phineas Nanson's quotidian adventures, with their sudden amorous rewards, pale beside those on the secondary level of quoted text, which occupies intimidatingly large chunks of the novel.

The New Yorker

Indeed, metaphor itself, often in the form of simile, is the glory of Homer, who spins similitudes with abandon, as in the Robert Fagles translation here from The Iliad: So they fought to the death around that benched beaked ship as Patroclus reaches Achilles, his great commander, and wept warm tears like a dark spring running down some desolate rock face, its shaded currents flowing.

The Guardian - Books

The title page of this section runs, "Avery Luter, Imamu Nabi (Another Occupation)." I'm still unpersuaded by Cohen's thematic ambitions, by this stabbing at similitudes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "similitude" when you want to emphasize a formal or philosophical resemblance between two things. It adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "similitude" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like "similarity" or "resemblance" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "similitude" is that of a noun, referring to the quality or state of being similar to something. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a resemblance or likeness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "similitude" is a grammatically correct noun that signifies a resemblance or similarity between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While it is a valid word, it is used less frequently than synonyms like "similarity" or "resemblance" and is more suited to formal contexts. The analysis reveals its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia sources. When writing, remember to reserve "similitude" for situations where a formal or philosophical tone is desired; otherwise, simpler alternatives are generally preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemblance

Focuses on the similarity in appearance or nature.

likeness

Emphasizes the quality or state of being similar.

similarity

Highlights the state of being alike.

analogy

Suggests a comparison based on a partial similarity.

correspondence

Implies a direct relationship or parallel.

affinity

Indicates a natural liking or connection.

parallelism

Highlights a similarity in structure or form.

equivalence

Stresses the state of being equal or interchangeable.

congruence

Emphasizes agreement or harmony.

semblance

Refers to an outward appearance or impression.

FAQs

How to use "similitude" in a sentence?

You can use "similitude" to describe the similarity or resemblance between two things. For example, "The artist noticed a striking similitude between the two portraits."

What can I say instead of "similitude"?

You can use alternatives like "resemblance", "likeness", or "similarity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "similitude" or "similarity"?

Both "similitude" and "similarity" are correct, but "similitude" is less common and more formal. "Similarity" is generally preferred in everyday language.

What's the difference between "similitude" and "analogy"?

"Similitude" refers to a general resemblance, while "analogy" implies a comparison based on a partial similarity, often used to explain something.