C1 noun Formal

semisimilism

/ˌsɛmiˈsɪmɪˌlɪzəm/

The philosophical or conceptual state of being partially similar or having restricted resemblances to something else. It often refers to a condition where items share common traits but remain fundamentally distinct in nature or identity.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The semisimilism found in the two landscape paintings suggests they were produced in the same workshop but by different hands.

The partial resemblance found in the two landscape paintings suggests they were produced in the same workshop but by different hands.

2

The legal counsel argued that the semisimilism of the logos was insufficient to prove a case of copyright infringement.

The legal counsel argued that the partial likeness of the logos was insufficient to prove a case of copyright infringement.

3

You can see a bit of semisimilism between the original song and this new cover, though the rhythm is totally different.

You can see a bit of partial similarity between the original song and this new cover, though the rhythm is totally different.

Word Family

Noun
semisimilism
Adverb
semisimilarly
Adjective
semisimilar
Related
semisimilarity
💡

Memory Tip

Think of it as 'Semi' (half) + 'Simil' (same) + 'Ism' (theory). It's the theory of things being only half the same.

Quick Quiz

Critics noted the __________ between the two novels, though the authors claimed they had never met.

Correct!

The correct answer is: semisimilism

Examples

1

The semisimilism found in the two landscape paintings suggests they were produced in the same workshop but by different hands.

everyday

The partial resemblance found in the two landscape paintings suggests they were produced in the same workshop but by different hands.

2

The legal counsel argued that the semisimilism of the logos was insufficient to prove a case of copyright infringement.

formal

The legal counsel argued that the partial likeness of the logos was insufficient to prove a case of copyright infringement.

3

You can see a bit of semisimilism between the original song and this new cover, though the rhythm is totally different.

informal

You can see a bit of partial similarity between the original song and this new cover, though the rhythm is totally different.

4

In comparative linguistics, semisimilism describes cognates that have diverged significantly while retaining a common phonetic core.

academic

In comparative linguistics, semisimilism describes cognates that have diverged significantly while retaining a common phonetic core.

5

The brand's success was hindered by the semisimilism of its product line compared to its more established competitors.

business

The brand's success was hindered by the partial similarity of its product line compared to its more established competitors.

Word Family

Noun
semisimilism
Adverb
semisimilarly
Adjective
semisimilar
Related
semisimilarity

Common Collocations

exhibit semisimilism to show partial similarity
visual semisimilism similarity in appearance
structural semisimilism similarity in organization or build
degree of semisimilism extent of partial likeness
detect semisimilism to notice a partial resemblance

Common Phrases

a case of semisimilism

an instance where things are partly alike

bordering on semisimilism

almost reaching a state of partial resemblance

reduction to semisimilism

the act of making things only partly similar

Often Confused With

semisimilism vs similitude

Similitude usually implies a general or complete likeness, whereas semisimilism specifically denotes an incomplete or partial one.

semisimilism vs simulation

Simulation is the act of imitating a process, while semisimilism is the state of being partially alike.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word in academic, philosophical, or technical contexts to describe things that are not identical but share specific, notable characteristics. It is rarer than 'similarity' and emphasizes the limitation of the likeness.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'similarity' when they want to highlight a specifically partial or incomplete likeness, missing the nuance that 'semisimilism' provides.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of it as 'Semi' (half) + 'Simil' (same) + 'Ism' (theory). It's the theory of things being only half the same.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'semi-' meaning half/partially, and 'similis' meaning like or resembling, combined with the suffix '-ism' for a state or doctrine.

Grammar Patterns

uncountable noun often followed by the preposition 'between' can be modified by adjectives like 'striking' or 'subtle'
🌍

Cultural Context

The term is occasionally invoked in theological discussions concerning the nature of the Trinity, specifically in nuances of 'likeness' versus 'sameness'.

Quick Quiz

Critics noted the __________ between the two novels, though the authors claimed they had never met.

Correct!

The correct answer is: semisimilism

Related Words

inautoency

C1

Describing a state of being incapable of self-initiated action or lacking independent agency. It refers to systems, behaviors, or individuals that remain passive and require an external trigger or command to function.

ancarny

C1

Relating to deep, ancient instincts or primal physical sensations that evoke a sense of mystery or unsettling familiarity. It describes behaviors or feelings that seem to be inherited from prehistoric ancestors and manifest in modern contexts.

tripendward

C1

Describing a trajectory, movement, or orientation directed toward a three-fold suspension or a point supported by three distinct anchors. It characterizes an object or path that leans toward a junction where three entities or supports meet.

synacrness

C1

Describing a quality of simultaneous acute precision and synchronized coordination. It refers to the state where multiple sharp or intense elements occur at once with perfect alignment.

unmalance

C1

A state of persistent or structural lack of equilibrium, specifically when this lack of balance leads to a detrimental or inefficient outcome. It is often used in technical or test-specific environments to describe systems where the distribution of elements is intentionally or erroneously skewed.

comtermness

C1

To engage in the process of establishing common terminology or shared linguistic understanding within a specific group. It involves negotiating and refining definitions to ensure all parties are aligned on technical concepts.

semifinism

C1

Relating to a state of partial completion or an intermediate stage in a process where a final goal is reached in function but not in form. It describes something that is operational yet lacks the definitive polish or finality of a completed work.

revaltion

C1

A revelation is the act of revealing or disclosing a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made in a dramatic way. It can also refer to a divine or supernatural disclosure of information to humanity.

bifugcy

C1

To divide or branch into two distinct, often divergent paths or outcomes, typically used in contexts involving complex decision-making or evolutionary processes. It implies a definitive split where the resulting entities develop independently and no longer overlap.

intravictship

C1

Describing the internal relations, dynamics, or psychological states that exist within a group sharing a common victory or high-status achievement. It refers specifically to the nuances of interaction between members who are part of the same successful collective.

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