WordGarden.iosimilarly
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪmɪləli/
US
- /ˈsɪmələrli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a similar way; likewise
Beyond the definition
"Similarly" points out that one thing is like another thing already mentioned. It helps connect ideas, examples, or situations that follow the same pattern. You might say, "Dogs need regular exercise; cats, similarly, benefit from playtime." Or, "The first student did very well in math; the second student, similarly, showed strong skill." It is often used to introduce another example that matches what came before.
"Similarly" is an adverb used to show that one thing is like another in an important way. It signals that two ideas, actions, or situations share features or follow a comparable pattern. It often means something close to "in the same way" or "likewise."
Think of it as building a bridge between ideas. If you explain how one chemical reacts to heat, and then say, "Similarly, this other chemical reacts in the same way," you are showing that the second reaction follows a comparable process. It is often used in academic writing, reports, and any situation where clear comparisons matter.
However, "similarly" is not just for formal contexts. You might hear it in everyday conversation: "My brother loves to cook; I similarly enjoy trying new recipes." It can also highlight a parallel between situations. For example: "She dealt with her heartbreak by throwing herself into work. He, similarly, focused on his hobbies."
Be mindful that "similarly" suggests a real resemblance, not just any connection. It is used to highlight shared qualities, matching results, or similar ways of acting. So when you want to show that one thing is like another and keep your ideas clearly connected, "similarly" does that job well.
Examples
- 1
App comparison
Both apps organize your photos similarly, so switching between them was easy.
- 2
Appearance
The twins were dressed similarly, but their personalities were very different.
- 3
Classroom fairness
Boys and girls should be treated similarly in the classroom.
- 4
Linked situations
The first few weeks were hard for me; similarly, my roommate found it difficult to adjust.
- PatternSimilarly, + sentence
connects one situation to another like it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Price comparison
The two options look different, but they are similarly priced.
- 6
Tax rules
The new tax rules affected small shops and online sellers similarly.
See also
Similar
- likewise
- in the same way
- correspondingly
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- similarly situated
- similarly sized
- similarly worded
- be similarly affected
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- similarlyadverb