WordGarden.ioasymmetrically
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌeɪsɪmˈɛtrɪkli/
US
- /ˌeɪsɪmˈɛtrɪkli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way where sides or parts do not match or mirror each other
in an unequal, unbalanced, or one-sided way
by using different keys for encryption and decryption
Beyond the definition
Imagine drawing a face. If it's perfectly symmetrical, both sides mirror each other. But if one eye is slightly bigger or the mouth tilts to one side, you’ve drawn it asymmetrically. It means doing something in a way that lacks mirror-image balance or equal distribution. This isn’t always a bad thing. Nature often creates things asymmetrically, like winding patterns in leaves, seashells, and coastlines. You might describe a garden planted asymmetrically as more natural and flowing than one with rigid geometric rows. Think about a tree branch; it grows asymmetrically, reaching for sunlight in an irregular direction instead of in a straight line.
The word asymmetrically is an adverb describing how something is positioned, shaped, or arranged without mirror-image balance. While symmetry implies order and predictability, arranging things asymmetrically often suggests movement, energy, and a more organic feel. While we often view perfect symmetry as ideal, acting or designing asymmetrically is a deliberate and common choice in many creative fields.
Consider a butterfly: while its wings can appear mirrored, closer inspection often reveals patterns distributed asymmetrically. In art and architecture, elements are frequently placed asymmetrically—perhaps balancing a large object on the left with several smaller ones on the right—to create visual tension. A photographer might intentionally frame a shot asymmetrically, placing the subject off-center to make the image more compelling.
In biology, our bodies develop asymmetrically in crucial ways, such as the human heart being on the left rather than in the center. So, while symmetry suggests perfection, asymmetrically describes a state of being uneven or unequal that breaks the rules of mirroring to create something unique, functional, and unexpectedly beautiful.
Examples
- 1
Interior design
The shelves were arranged asymmetrically to make the room feel less formal.
- 2
Haircut
Her hair was cut asymmetrically, with one side slightly longer than the other.
- 3
Medical check
When he smiled, his face moved asymmetrically, so the doctor checked for nerve damage.
- 4
Contract risk
In that contract, the risk was shared asymmetrically, with the smaller company carrying most of it.
- Domainrisk shared asymmetrically
one side has much more risk than the other
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Military tactics
The two sides fought asymmetrically, with one using heavy weapons and the other relying on small surprise attacks.
- Domainfight asymmetrically
use very different kinds of power or tactics
See also
Similar
- unevenly
- lopsidedly
- unsymmetrically
Shades of meaning
- irregularly
- off-center
- disproportionately
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- asymmetrically arranged
- asymmetrically distributed
- asymmetrically shaped
- asymmetrically placed
Word family
Explore
- bilateral symmetry
- chirality
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- asymmetricallyadverb