Not alike or having few characteristics in common; markedly different in nature, form, or quality. Emphasizes the absence of similarity rather than active opposition.
From Latin 'dissimilis,' combining the prefix 'dis-' (not, apart) with 'similis' (like, similar). The word has maintained its straightforward meaning of 'not similar' since entering English in the 14th century.
Unlike 'opposite' which implies direct contrast, 'dissimilar' just means 'not alike' - like how a bicycle and a symphony are dissimilar, not because they oppose each other, but because they exist in completely different categories!
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