MEANING
1. Having parts that correspond in shape or arrangement under a reflection, rotation, or other relevant symmetry.
2. Involving comparable roles, actions, or treatment on different sides of a relationship.
Use it for
describing a pattern with matching parts; analyzing balance in a visual composition; specifying the kind of structural correspondence being comparedSeparates matching physical structure from balanced treatment or reciprocal relationships. Academic functions: Comparison / Contrast.
Words that belong together
- a symmetrical pattern
- symmetrical arrangement
- a symmetrical distribution
On the page
The diagram uses a symmetrical arrangement to make the contrast easier to inspect.
A symmetrical distribution need not have the same spread as another symmetrical distribution.
The agreement imposes formally symmetrical obligations on parties with unequal resources.
The analysis applies symmetrical standards of evidence to both interpretations.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- symmetrical
Usage notes
Adjective; symmetric is an established alternative, not an additional entry in this task. More symmetrical is natural for approximate symmetry. Register: neutral. Commonness: moderately common (qualitative editorial estimate, informed by dictionaries/corpus).
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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