be similar

[bi ˈsɪmələr]
verb phrase
ser semelhante / parecer(se)
1. to have qualities or characteristics in common with something else; to resemble
These two paintings are very similar in style.
Estes dois quadros são muito semelhantes em estilo.
2. to be alike or comparable in nature or appearance
The twins be similar in many ways, but they have different personalities.
Os gêmeos se parecem em muitos aspectos, mas têm personalidades diferentes.
3. to share resemblance or likeness
The new model will be similar to the previous version.
O novo modelo será semelhante à versão anterior.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'parecer-se' and 'ser parecido' are frequently used in colloquial speech, while 'ser semelhante' is more formal. In Portugal, 'assemelhar-se' carries more literary weight. Both cultures use these expressions to compare people, objects, and situations extensively in daily conversation.
NYC Slang
be like / be the same
Synonyms / Sinônimos
resemblebe alikebe comparablelook likebear resemblance
Antonyms / Antônimos
differbe differentbe dissimilarcontrastdiverge

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser semelhante / parecer-se
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ser parecido / parecer
More colloquial, commonly used in everyday speech
São Paulo
ser semelhante / ser parecido
Both forms are equally common in standard usage
Portugal
ser semelhante / assemelhar-se
Assemelhar-se is more formal and literary in Portuguese Portuguese

Related Words

similarityresemblancelikenessdifferencecomparison

Related Idioms & Phrases

be cut from the same cloth
be two peas in a pod
be birds of a feather
be of a piece
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