Same
/seɪm/
Definitions
2 meaningsBeing exactly alike or of the very similar kind.
/seɪm/
Identical or not different
They live in the same neighborhood.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your best friend both have a favorite color, and it's the *same*! It means you like the exact same thing, or that things are very similar. Like, "We went to the *same* school!"
👶 For kids: When two things are exactly alike, like two apples that look the same!
More Examples
We have the same favorite band.
Can you give me the same size as last time?
How It's Used
"We have the same car."
"Please send me the same report as last week."
The thing or person previously mentioned or easy to understand because the context provides a reference.
/seɪm/
The one that is not different
I'll take the same, please.
💡 Simply: When you want the exact thing someone else has, or when you're talking about something already mentioned. Like, "Do you want the *same* as me?"
👶 For kids: It means the thing you are talking about is also something else.
More Examples
The same applies to both of us.
She chose the same as her sister.
How It's Used
"I want the same as you."
"The data showed the same."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
all the same
Nevertheless; in spite of that
"It rained, but we enjoyed the picnic all the same."
same difference
Used to express that two things are essentially the same, even though they might seem different
"Whether we go on Saturday or Sunday, it's the same difference to me."
From Old English *sam*, *sæm* ('same, similar'), from Proto-Germanic *sama- ('same'). Cognate with Old Frisian *sam*, Old Saxon *samō*, Old High German *samo*.
The word 'same' has been used since Old English, and its meaning has remained largely consistent, indicating identicality or similarity.
Memory tip
Think of two things that are twins. They are the same!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: *sama-