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“Similar” vs. “Simular”—Which Is Correct?

Updated on September 7, 2023Grammar
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Are you wondering about the difference between similar and simular? Although these two words sound similar, only one of them is currently used in English. In this post, we will explore the definition, pronunciation, and origin of similar and provide examples of how to use the word correctly.

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What is the difference between similar and simular?

Similar means “having a resemblance or likeness to something.” Oftentimes, simular is a mishearing or mispronunciation (sim-ye-ler) of the word similar.

What does similar mean?

Similar, an adjective, signifies that two or more things share a common characteristic or feature without being identical. For example, two cats can be similar if they have the same color, size, and disposition. The word similar comes from the Latin word similis, meaning like or resembling. Similar is pronounced sim-uh-ler.

What does simular mean?

Simular is an outdated (archaic) word meaning “one who simulates” or “counterfeit.” It’s a mispronunciation of the word similar. It is an “eggcorn” for the word similar.

Synonyms for similar

  • Alike
  • Almost identical
  • Close
  • Comparable
  • Equivalent
  • Much the same
  • Near
  • Related

Examples of how to use similar in a sentence

  • The two dresses are similar in style and color.
  • The new restaurant is similar to the one we visited last week.
  • Her paintings are similar in their use of color and composition.
  • I had a similar experience in Rome.
  • They were similar in size, but their faces were different.

Overall, it’s crucial to pronounce and write these words accurately to communicate your message effectively. Understanding the difference between similar and simular and knowing how to use similar correctly can improve your writing and speaking skills.

This article was written with the support of Grammarly’s generative AI features.

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