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symmetrical

symmetrical

25 4.1
A shape or object that has matching parts on both sides when you cut it down the middle
  • adjective
  • /sɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/
translation icon : simétrico
  • The results were that both men and women gave the most symmetrical faces the highest ratings.
  • bilaterally symmetrical
  • symmetrical pattern
  • symmetrical composition

And the situation was exactly symmetric for the Soviet Union.

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Examples

  • And this one reported that people who had symmetrical faces were better dancers.

  • Anyway, and it's symmetrical on the other side.

  • His face is so symmetrical.

  • But has anybody else noticed how wonderfully symmetrical his face is?

  • The calm of her perfectly symmetrical face is animated by a slight but perceptible smile.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Josue-Luis had a perfectly proportioned, symmetrical face, with even features and large, endearing black eyes.

    Academic text (1991)
  • His face is remarkably symmetrical, with both sides looking nearly identical.

  • The artist aimed to create a symmetrical design that balanced both sides perfectly.

  • The butterfly's wings are symmetrical, showcasing the same patterns on each side.

Synonyms

symmetric
vssymmetrical
6 4.3

The same on both sides when split down the middle

is the longer form though it means the same
bilateral
vssymmetrical
2 5.7

Having the same parts on both sides of a middle line, like a leaf or face

focuses on visual matching rather than on equal involvement of sides
bilaterally symmetrical
vssymmetrical
  • Specialized
7.4

Having two matching halves on each side of a middle line

is about matching on both sides more generally, not only mirror halves
bilaterally symmetric
vssymmetrical
  • Specialized
5.9

The left and right sides of a body or object match each other

is the general term for matching parts on both sides
isobilateral
vssymmetrical
  • Specialized
9.9

Having the same parts on both sides, like a leaf with the same top and bottom

is the common everyday term rather than this technical label
radially symmetrical
vssymmetrical
7.7

Parts spread out from a central point so slices around it look the same

refers to matching across a dividing line rather than around a centre

Antonyms

18 6.1

Having parts that are not the same size or shape

Compounds

7.4

Having two matching halves on each side of a middle line

How Symmetric

mirrored
4.3
symmetrical
25 4.1
asymmetric
11 6.1
uneven
42 2.3

Surface Forms

symmetrical positive
symmetricaler comparative
symmetric positive
symmetricalest superlative

Morphology

symmetrical = symmetric (transparent) = symmetric + al

Standard adjective formation: 'symmetric' + '-al' yields 'symmetrical' with predictable meaning.

Etymology

The word symmetrical comes from Greek parts sym- meaning 'together' and metron meaning 'measure', the same root as in meter. So something symmetrical is 'measured together', which is why its parts match on both sides.