Rant On Similarity

   Ok, this is an almost entirely unnecessary rant about similarity. One would think it should never come up... and yet it has.

   The word 'like' in the context of 'this frog is like a tree' is used to denote similarity. If something is similar, it is nearly alike. This is very important to keep in mind. In order to be similar, by definition, the two objects of comparison must be different in some way that doesn't render them dissimilar. Obviously, this means that they cannot be exactly alike, as there must be some sort of variation, no matter how minor. Without variation there cannot be similarity.

   Now, why is this important? Well, I've heard people make statements that use like as a comparative term... but with both objects of comparison being the exact same thing. I should also note that this isn't an isolated incident. I've heard it done multiple times this month alone. (Here I should point out that I am not referring to people who like incert like... like... in between every other like word. Although, that really does fall into the same area, we all actually know that it's wrong. Stop it.) This is nonsensical... if I say "I am like myself," then I'm being completely incoherent. By definition I cannot be like myself in the comparitive sense of similarity because I am not at variation with myself.

   The most recent culprit included the word 'literally' into the statement, as though that would correct the semantic error. It does not. If I say "I am literally like myself" I'm still being incoherent... actually it sound even more incoherent than before. What the prior statement said was "I am similar, which entails difference, to myself". What this says is, "I am literally similar, which entails difference, to myself." It boxes itself into a corner where it cannot be chalked up to minced words. Literally isn't just hyperbole at this point, it's acting as an enforcer of incorrect information.

   So, that's the rant. You can never be similar to yourself in the present tense. Don't do it, please.

Reviews

[ICE]

Hehe I remeber this!!! Ah I'm tempted to do it now. I think that I've stopped doing it.

[Matthewtuckey]

Your opening sentence is a bit too similar to the title. Granted, that's the theme, but I don't think it works right there.

'The exact same thing'- can you give an example here? Telling us where you were when you heard people say these things could help bring colour to the piece.

'insert'. Spell check.

I think it could do with being a bit funnier- it felt like you were forcing an idea on us a bit.

[WriterMe]

Haha, somehow it being a rant- I found it quite amusing even though rants are suppose to be heard by solemn kind of people, nodding their heads at everything you say and paying their condolences. Haha. I think the word has been over-used in very miscomprehended sentences. But oh well... that the wonder of words. You can use it how you like and it doesn't even have to make sense =]