comparable: In other comparable countries real wages increased much more rapidly.
alike: We looked very alike.
simi|lar|ity /s I m I læ r I ti/ (similarities )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is a similarity between two or more things, they are similar to each other. □ [+ between ] The astonishing similarity between my brother and my first-born son. □ She is also 25 and a native of Birmingham, but the similarity ends there. [Also + in/with ]
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Similarities are features that things have which make them similar to each other. □ [+ between ] There were significant similarities between mother and son. [Also + in/with ]
simi|lar|ly /s I m I lə r li/
1 ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] You use similarly to say that something is similar to something else. □ Most of the men who now gathered round him again were similarly dressed.
2 ADV You use similarly when mentioning a fact or situation that is similar to the one you have just mentioned. □ A mother recognises the feel of her child's skin when blindfolded. Similarly, she can instantly identify her baby's cry.
simi|le /s I m I li/ (similes ) N‑COUNT A simile is an expression which describes a person or thing as being similar to someone or something else. For example, the sentences 'She runs like a deer' and 'He's as white as a sheet' contain similes.
sim|mer /s I mə r / (simmers , simmering , simmered )
1 VERB When you simmer food or when it simmers , you cook it by keeping it at boiling point or just below boiling point. □ [V n] Make an infusion by boiling and simmering the rhubarb and camomile together. □ [V ] Turn the heat down so the sauce simmers gently. ● N‑SING Simmer is also a noun. □ Combine the stock, whole onion and peppercorns in a pan and bring to a simmer.
2 VERB If a conflict or a quarrel simmers , it does not actually happen for a period of time, but eventually builds up to the point where it does. □ [V ] …bitter divisions that have simmered for more than half a century. □ [V -ing] The province was attacked a month ago after weeks of simmering tension.
sim|per /s I mpə r / (simpers , simpering , simpered ) VERB When someone simpers , they smile in a rather silly way. □ [V ] The maid lowered her chin and simpered. ● N‑COUNT Simper is also a noun. □ 'Thank you doctor,' said the nurse with a simper.
sim|ple ◆◆◇ /s I mp ə l/ (simpler , simplest )
1 ADJ If you describe something as simple , you mean that it is not complicated, and is therefore easy to understand. □ …simple pictures and diagrams. □ …pages of simple advice on filling in your tax form. □ Buddhist ethics are simple but its practices are very complex to a western mind. ● simp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ When applying for a visa, state simply and clearly the reasons why you need it.
2 ADJ If you describe people or things as simple , you mean that they have all the basic or necessary things they require, but nothing extra. □ He ate a simple dinner of rice and beans. □ …the simple pleasures of childhood. □ Nothing is simpler than a cool white shirt. ● simp|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ The living room is furnished simply with wicker furniture.
3 ADJ If a problem is simple or if its solution is simple , the problem can be solved easily. □ Some puzzles look difficult but once the solution is known are actually quite simple. □ I cut my purchases dramatically by the simple expedient of destroying my credit cards.
4 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] A simple task is easy to do. □ The simplest way to install a shower is to fit one over the bath. ● simp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Simply dial the number and tell us your area.
5 ADJ If you say that someone is simple , you mean that they are not very intelligent and have difficulty learning things. □ He was simple as a child.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use simple to emphasize that the thing you are referring to is the only important or relevant reason for something. [EMPHASIS ] □ His refusal to talk was simple stubbornness.
7 ADJ In grammar, simple tenses are ones which are formed without an auxiliary verb 'be', for example 'I dressed and went for a walk' and 'This tastes nice'. Simple verb groups are used especially to refer to completed actions, regular actions, and situations. Compare continuous .
8 ADJ In English grammar, a simple sentence consists of one main clause. Compare compound , complex .
9 → see also simply SYNONYMS simple ADJ 1
uncomplicated: …good, fresh British cooking with its uncomplicated, direct flavours.
clear: The book is clear, readable and adequately illustrated.
plain: It was a plain, grey stone house.
straightforward: …simple straightforward language.
si m|ple i n|ter|est N‑UNCOUNT Simple interest is interest that is calculated on an original sum of money and not also on interest which has previously been added to the sum. Compare compound interest . [BUSINESS ]
si mple-mi nded ADJ If you describe someone as simple-minded , you believe that they interpret things in a way that is too simple and do not understand how complicated things are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Sylvie was a simple-minded romantic.
sim|ple|ton /s I mp ə ltən/ (simpletons ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a simpleton , you think they are easily deceived or not very intelligent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ 'But Ian's such a simpleton', she laughed.