How Do You Spell SYMMETRY?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪmətɹɪ] (IPA)

Symmetry is a word with an interesting spelling. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈsɪmɪtri/. This means that the "sy" in "sym" is pronounced as "sɪ", while the "metry" ending is pronounced as "mɪtri". The reason for this spelling is because "sym" comes from the Greek word "symmetria", which means "measured together". The "metry" ending is derived from the Greek word "metron", meaning "measure". So, the spelling of "symmetry" is a combination of two Greek words that have been blended together.

SYMMETRY Meaning and Definition

  1. Symmetry is a fundamental concept that denotes a balanced or harmonious arrangement and distribution of parts or elements around an axis or a center point. Derived from the Greek word "symmetria" meaning "proportionate," symmetry encompasses various aspects of balance, proportion, and harmony in both physical and abstract domains.

    In a mathematical context, symmetry represents a precise geometric property involving the congruence or similarity of an object's parts across a reflection, rotation, or translation. It characterizes an object's ability to retain a consistent appearance or structure when subject to these transformations.

    Moreover, symmetry has wide-ranging applications in science, art, and nature. It often gives rise to aesthetic appeal, as humans tend to find symmetry attractive and pleasing to the eye. In art and design, it is a principle employed to create visual balance and equilibrium through the careful arrangement of elements. In nature, symmetrical patterns can be found in the arrangement of petals in a flower, the branching of trees, and the formation of snowflakes, among countless other examples.

    Symmetry also extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing ideas related to equality, balance, and fairness in social contexts. It implies an arrangement or distribution of power, resources, or opportunities that is equal or equitable among individuals or groups, promoting a sense of justice and harmony.

    In summary, symmetry is a concept that signifies balance, proportion, and harmony in various contexts. It spans mathematical, artistic, natural, and social domains, representing an arrangement or distribution of parts or elements that is consistent, aesthetically pleasing, and equal.

  2. Equality or correspondence in form of parts distributed around a center or an axis, at the two extremities or poles, or on the two opposite sides of any body.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for SYMMETRY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SYMMETRY

Etymology of SYMMETRY

The word "symmetry" is derived from the Greek word "symmetria". In Greek, "symmetria" means "agreement in dimensions, due proportion, arrangement", and is literally composed of two elements: "syn" which means "together" and "metron" which means "measure". Therefore, "symmetry" refers to a balance or harmony achieved through the congruence of measurements or proportions in an arrangement or structure.

Similar spelling words for SYMMETRY

Plural form of SYMMETRY is SYMMETRIES