[sim.i.lar] adj [F similaire, fr. L similis like, similar--more at same] (1611) 1: having characteristics in common: strictly comparable
2: alike in substance or essentials: corresponding "no two animal habitats are exactly ~ --W. H. Dowdeswell"
3: not differing in shape but only in size or position "~ triangles" "~ polygons" -- sim.i.lar.ly adv syn similar, analogous, parallel mean closely resembling each other. similar implies the possibility of being mistaken for each other "all the houses in the development are similar". analogous applies to things belonging in essentially different categor ies but nevertheless having many similarities "analogous political systems". parallel suggests a marked likeness in the development of two things "the parallel careers of two movie stars".