Similia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term used to reference entities or situations that share similar characteristics or attributes in comparison
2. A concept denoting things that bear resemblance or likeness to one another in various contexts
3. An expression that signifies the relationship or connection between items that are alike in certain aspects

Etymology: "Similia" is the plural of "simile," so its history is really the history of that word. Its root is the Latin "simile," meaning "comparison, likeness, parallel," which comes from the neuter form of "similis," meaning "like, similar, resembling." The Latin word was first attested in English in the late 14th century, and it is related to the English "similar." The plural "similia" comes from Latin, where the neuter plural of an adjective could be used as a noun, so "similia" would have meant things that are alike. In English, the Latin plural is used only occasionally, mostly by writers and scholars who want to speak of several comparisons at once. Most English speakers would reach for "similes" instead.