Same vs. Identical — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Same denotes similarity in character or kind, while identical implies exactness in every detail.
Difference Between Same and Identical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "same" is used to describe things that are very similar or alike in nature, character, or function. Whereas "identical" refers to two or more items that are exactly the same in every detail, not just similar or alike. This distinction is important in contexts where precision is required, such as in scientific measurements or legal documents.
Same often implies a general equivalence rather than absolute uniformity. On the other hand, identical suggests a perfect match, such as in the case of identical twins, who are genetically the same.
In everyday language, "same" can be used more loosely. For example, people might say they have the "same" shirt when they mean very similar styles or patterns. However, identical is used to emphasize that there is no difference whatsoever between the items in question.
When discussing concepts, same might refer to agreeing in idea, opinion, or significant parts. Meanwhile, identical means that every component or aspect is the same, leaving no room for any discrepancy.
In legal or technical contexts, the precision of "identical" can carry significant implications, distinguishing it from "same" which might allow for some degree of interpretation or variability. This precision can affect outcomes in areas like patent law or digital data verification.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Similar in kind, nature, or function
Exactly alike in every detail
Usage in speech
More general and broader
More specific and precise
Implication
General equivalence
Absolute uniformity
Example context
"We have the same interests."
"They are identical twins."
Legal importance
Less strict in interpretation
Crucial for precise distinctions
Compare with Definitions
Same
Alike in nature or quality.
The two cars are the same model but different colors.
Identical
Being the very same; selfsame.
This is the identical room we stayed in last year.
Same
Equivalent in function or effect.
Drinking zero-sugar soda is the same as avoiding sugar.
Identical
Equal in all respects.
The results of the two experiments were identical.
Same
Not different; unchanged.
She’s been in the same job for ten years.
Identical
Exactly alike, without any difference.
They bought identical blue dresses.
Same
Identical in character or amount.
The twins wear the same size clothes.
Identical
Perfectly resembling.
She found an identical replacement for her broken vase.
Same
Common to many.
The same law applies to everyone.
Identical
Duplicate or copied exactly.
He carries an identical key for safety.
Same
Being the very one; identical
The same boat we rented before.
Identical
Being the same
Another orator who used the senator's identical words.
Same
Similar in kind, quality, quantity, or degree
The ceremony went off with the same elegance that it has had every year.
Identical
Exactly equal and alike
Your car is identical to mine. Are the fingerprints at the crime scene identical with those of the accused?.
Same
Conforming in every detail
According to the same rules as before.
Identical
(Biology) Of or relating to a twin or twins developed from the same fertilized ovum and having the same genetic makeup and closely similar appearance; monozygotic.
Same
Being the one previously mentioned or indicated; aforesaid
"There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon.
And the same man was just and devout" (King James Bible).
Identical
(not comparable) Bearing full likeness by having precisely the same set of characteristics; indistinguishable.
Same
In the same way
The words sale and sail are pronounced the same.
Identical
(not comparable) Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; numerically identical.
Same
Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; identical.
I realised I was the same age as my grandfather had been when he joined the air force.
Even if the twins are identical, they are still not the same person, unlike Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens.
Peter and Anna went to the same high school: the high school to which Peter went is the high school to which Anna went.
Identical
Of twins, sharing the same genetic code.
Same
Lacking variety from; indistinguishable.
Identical
Exactly equivalent.
Same
Similar, alike.
You have the same hair I do!
Identical
Approximating or approaching exact equivalence.
Same
Used to express the unity of an object or person which has various different descriptions or qualities.
Round here it can be cloudy and sunny even in the same day.
We were all going in the same direction.
Identical
Something which has exactly the same properties as something else.
Same
A reply of confirmation of identity.
Identical
An identical twin.
Same
(used with the) The same way; in the same manner; to the same extent, equally.
A mother loves all her children the same.
My hometown looked much the same as when I'd left 10 years ago.
It took all night to find our hotel room, as we forgot our room number and each door looked the same.
Identical
The same; the selfsame; the very same; not different; as, the identical person or thing.
I can not remember a thing that happened a year ago, without a conviction . . . that I, the same identical person who now remember that event, did then exist.
Same
Together.
Identical
Uttering sameness or the same truth; expressing in the predicate what is given, or obviously implied, in the subject; tautological.
When you say body is solid, I say that you make an identical proposition, because it is impossible to have the idea of body without that of solidity.
Same
The identical thing, ditto.
The same can be said of him.
It's the same everywhere.
Identical
Exactly alike; incapable of being perceived as different;
Rows of identical houses
Cars identical except for their license plates
They wore indistinguishable hats
Same
Something similar, something of the identical type.
She's having apple pie? I'll have the same.
You two are just the same.
Identical
Being the exact same one; not any other:;
This is the identical room we stayed in before
The themes of his stories are one and the same
Saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
On this very spot
The very thing he said yesterday
The very man I want to see
Same
It or them, without a connotation of similarity.
The question is his credibility or lack of same.
Identical
(of twins) derived from a single egg or ovum;
Identical twins are monovular
Same
It or them, as above, meaning the last object mentioned, mainly as complement: on the same, for the same.
My picture/photography blog...kindly give me your reviews on the same.
Identical
Having properties with uniform values along all axes
Same
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
Identical
Coinciding exactly when superimposed;
Identical triangles
Same
Not different or other; not another or others; identical; unchanged.
Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Same
Of like kind, species, sort, dimensions, or the like; not differing in character or in the quality or qualities compared; corresponding; not discordant; similar; like.
The ethereal vigor is in all the same.
Same
Just mentioned, or just about to be mentioned.
What ye know, the same do I know.
Do but think how well the same he spends,Who spends his blood his country to relieve.
Bees like the same odors as we do.
[He] held the same political opinions with his illustrious friend.
Same
Same in identity;
The same man I saw yesterday
Never wore the same dress twice
This road is the same one we were on yesterday
On the same side of the street
Same
Closely similar or comparable in kind or quality or quantity or degree;
Curtains the same color as the walls
Two girls of the same age
Mother and son have the same blue eyes
Animals of the same species
The same rules as before
Two boxes having the same dimensions
The same day next year
Same
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Same
Unchanged in character or nature;
The village stayed the same
His attitude is the same as ever
Same
In the same manner;
You get treated fairly, same as any other student in this course!
Common Curiosities
Is it correct to use same and identical interchangeably?
While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, in precise contexts, they should not be due to their differences in meaning.
Which term would be more suitable for describing twins with a very similar appearance?
"Identical twins" is the term for twins who are genetically the same, whereas "same" might be used more loosely to describe twins that look very alike but are not genetically identical.
What is the main difference between same and identical?
"Same" implies similarity or equivalence, while "identical" means exactly the same in every detail.
How do the implications of same and identical differ in legal terms?
In legal contexts, identical often requires exact duplication, whereas same allows for some level of equivalence that might not be exact.
Can something be more identical than another?
No, identical by definition implies maximum similarity; something cannot be more or less identical.
Can two objects be identical but not the same?
No, if two objects are identical, they are inherently the same in every aspect.
Can same refer to one item or does it always compare two or more?
"Same" usually involves a comparison of two or more items or situations, implying a likeness or equivalence.
When should I use identical instead of same?
Use "identical" when referring to objects or situations where there is no discernible difference in any aspect.
How does context affect the use of same vs. identical?
The context dictates the precision needed; "identical" is used when absolute exactness is crucial, such as in science or law.
What is an example of misuse of same and identical?
Saying "We have identical interests" when interests are very similar but not exactly the same could be a misuse.
What are synonyms for same and identical?
Synonyms for "same" include similar and akin, while "identical" might be replaced by exact or duplicate.
How do identical twins differ from fraternal twins?
Identical twins are genetically the same, whereas fraternal twins are as different as regular siblings.
Does the meaning of same and identical change over time?
The core meanings remain stable, but cultural usage can shift, influencing less formal applications.
What role do same and identical play in computer science?
In computer science, "identical" is crucial for tasks like data matching or duplication checking, where exact matches are necessary.
Is it possible to have identical feelings or emotions?
While feelings can be very similar, the subjective nature of emotions makes them uniquely personal, hence not truly identical.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
