Honors English I Vocabulary Lesson 17: Similarities and Differences

Analogous (adjective) Example: The eye is analogous to the camera. a. Similar in certain qualities, circumstances, or uses b. In biology, similar in function but not in origin or structure Example: The eye is analogous to the camera.

Antithesis (noun) a. Direct contrast; opposition b. In speech and writing, the placement of sharply contrasting ideas in balanced or parallel words, phrases, or grammatical structures. Example: With his sloppy work habits and slow typing, Clinton Andrews was the antithesis of a good secretary.

Comparable (adjective) a. Having like traits; similar; equivalent b. Worthy or capable of comparison Example: The three-week intensive language course was comparable to a standard semester class.

Deviate (intrans. verb) To differ or move away from a specified course or prescribed mode of behavior; diverge. Example: When the scientists deviated from the standard methods of experimentation, they made an important discovery.

Differentiate (trans. verb) (intrans. verb) a. To serve as the distinction between b. To understand, perceive, or show the differences in or between (intrans. verb) a. To become different, distinct, or specialized b. To make distinctions; discriminate Example: The colorful sails of the lead boat differentiated it from the other boats in the race.

Disparity (noun) a. The condition or fact of being unequal in age, rank, or degree; difference. b. Lack of similarity; unlikeness Example: The forty-year disparity in their ages did not affect the friendship between the two women.

heterogeneous (adjective) Consisting of dissimilar elements or parts; miscellaneous; varied Example: Nick takes pride in his heterogeneous box collection, which consists of everything from a small jade container to a large stone sarcophagus.

homogeneous (adjective) a. Consisting of elements of a similar or related nature. b. Uniform in structure or composition. Example: Coal from this region is remarkably homogeneous.

Nuance (noun)A subtle or slight degree of difference, as in meaning, color, or tone; a delicate shading; gradation Example: Bethany’s ability to capture nuances of voice and gesture made her a wonderful imitator of famous people.

Tantamount (adjective) Equivalent in significance, effect, or value. Example: The attack on the territory was tantamount to a declaration of war.