For our exam project we have been given the title ‘variation and similarity’, a binary opposite. This pair of words have directly opposite meanings making them a pair of binary opposites. I am going to explore the etymology of the words meaning the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. I will also show how i can explore these words within my works too.
Variation
Definition 1 – “a change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits”.
Definition 2 – “a different or distinct form or version of something”.
Synonyms
- Variant
- Alternative
- Different
- Development
- Adaptation
- Alteration
- Modification
Etymology of the word
late Middle English (denoting variance or conflict): from Old French, or from Latin variatio, from the verb ‘variare’.
Similarity
Definition 1 – the state or fact of being similar.
Definition 2 – a similar feature or aspect.
Synonyms
- Resemblance
- Comparability
- Equivalence
- Parallel
Etymology of the word
‘Similar’ is a late 16th century word from the French ‘similaire’ or medieval Latin ‘similaris’, from the Latin word ‘similis’ meaning ‘like’.