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dissimilar
/dɪˈsɪmɪlər/
not similar
The two paintings are dissimilar in style, with one being abstract and the other realistic.
The paintings differ significantly in their artistic approaches.
formal
Not alike; different in nature, form, or quality
The two theories are dissimilar in their core assumptions.
The theories have fundamentally different starting points.
The twins are genetically similar but dissimilar in personality.
Despite shared genes, their personalities contrast sharply.
Commonly used in academic, technical, or comparative contexts to emphasize differences.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid 'dissimilar than'
Use 'dissimilar to' or 'dissimilar from' instead of 'dissimilar than'. Incorrect: 'The results are dissimilar than expected.' Correct: 'The results are dissimilar to/from the expected ones.'
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
'Dissimilar' is more formal than 'different'. Use 'different' in casual speech unless emphasizing a technical or precise contrast.
Word Origin
From Latin *dissimilis* (not similar), combining *dis-* (apart, not) + *similis* (like). First recorded in English in the mid-17th century.
Usage Notes
Prefer 'dissimilar to' or 'dissimilar from' over 'dissimilar than'. More formal than 'different' but interchangeable in most contexts.
Word Breakdown
dis-
not, apart
prefix-similis
like
rootEnglish Dictionary