WordGarden.iosame
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈeɪm/
US
- /ˈseɪm/
Meanings
Adjective
identical; not different from another person or thing
unchanged from before
Interjection
same here; used to show you feel or think the same
Beyond the definition
"Same" seems simple, but it is very flexible. We use it when there is no difference between things: the same color, the same size, or the same answer. We also use it when people share something: two friends may like the same music, or a team may work toward the same goal. It can also show repetition or consistency, as in "Same time tomorrow?"
There are a few common set phrases too. "All the same" can mean "even so" or "nevertheless." "It's all the same to me" means that one choice is no better than another. In everyday speech, "the same" can also stand in for something already mentioned, as in "I'll have the same."
The word "same" is used when there is no important difference between two or more people, things, places, times, ideas, or actions. At its clearest, it means identical: if two shirts are the same color, they match exactly in color. If two people give the same answer, their answer does not differ. We also use it for repeated situations, such as "at the same time," "in the same place," or "the same day."
The word can also show that people share one thing, even if they are not identical in every way. Two friends may like the same band. A class may read the same book. A group may be trying to reach the same goal. In these cases, "same" points to one shared thing, not total sameness in everything else.
"Same" appears in many common expressions. "Same time tomorrow?" means repeating an arrangement. "The same as" means equal to or like something already mentioned: "Her bag is the same as mine." "It's all the same to me" means that different choices are equally acceptable. "All the same" means "even so" or "nevertheless." In conversation, "the same" can replace a noun phrase that is already understood, as in "I'll have the same."
Because it is so common, "same" works across many parts of daily English: comparing objects, describing shared interests, making plans, and talking about repeated actions or unchanged conditions. It is a basic word, but it does a lot of work by marking identity, equality, and shared reference in a clear, natural way.
Examples
- 1
Travel
We ended up on the same train this morning.
- 2
Meeting place
Let's meet at the same cafe after work.
- 3
Comparison
Her answer was the same as mine.
- 4
Size comparison
The living room is the same size as the kitchen.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unchanged place
Even after ten years, the town looks almost the same.
- 6
Ordering
I want the same one you ordered last time.
- 7
Shared goal
We may disagree on the details, but we want the same thing.
- 8
Equal support
People learn in different ways, but they all need the same support.
- 9
Agreement
"I'm exhausted." "Same here."
- Phrasesame here
I feel the same
- 10
Concession
It was risky, but she went ahead all the same.
- Phraseall the same
despite that
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sameadjectivenoun