Symmetrical Vs Asymmetrical: How Are These Words Connected?

The link between the words symmetrical and asymmetrical is evident even for those coming across the two words for the first time. However, there is more to these terms than their close spellings; you’ll realize that from this symmetrical vs asymmetrical piece. So, are these words connected?

Symmetrical is an adjective meaning “exhibiting symmetry or having harmonious, corresponding, or proportionate arrangements of parts or relations.” In contrast, asymmetrical means “presenting a false dilemma or choice between two things that are not opposites or characterized by asymmetry.”

The differences between asymmetrical and symmetrical are easy to understand if you know their definitions. Therefore, this article will cover all the words’ linking elements and discrepancies. Read on to find out more.

Definitions Of Symmetrical And Asymmetrical

The apparent link between the words asymmetrical and symmetrical is that they are both adjectives formed from the root word “symmetry.” Therefore, if you want to understand these words, start by learning about the word symmetry.

Symmetry is a noun that refers to “the correspondence in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a line, point, or plane.” That simply means “regularity of form or arrangement.” In this context, the synonyms for symmetry are reciprocal or corresponding.

Another definition of symmetry is “the proper or due proportion of parts or a body or a whole to another in terms of size and form.” In simpler words, symmetry is the excellence of proportion.

Another source defines symmetry as “beauty characterized by an excellence of proportion.”

In Mathematics, symmetry refers to “a geometrical or regularity possessed by mathematical objects characterized by the operations that leave the object invariant,” like rotational symmetry.

In Physics, symmetry refers to “a property of a physical system unaffected by specific mathematical transformations.” For example, gravity does not affect the symmetrical elements of an object.

Understanding the definitions of asymmetrical and symmetrical is easy once you have understood what symmetry means. So, now that we have covered the basic definitions of symmetry, we can get into the meanings of symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Here we go!

What Are The Definitions Of Symmetrical?

Symmetrical means “showing or exhibiting the qualities of symmetry.” Refer to an object as asymmetrical if it has a harmonious or proportionate arrangement of parts, corresponding parts or relations.

Another definition of symmetrical is “involving symmetry or having parts in due proportion as to dimensions,” like a symmetrical body or building.

Another symmetrical meaning is “having organs or parts of one side corresponding with those of the other side or having parts in two or more series of organs the same in number.”

A more straightforward definition of symmetrical is “having a common measure” or “having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts.”

What Are The Definitions Of Asymmetrical?

Asymmetrical means “not symmetrical.” Therefore, it is the opposite or antonym of “symmetrical.” Another close definition is “irregular in shape or outline,” like in asymmetrical features.

This adjective also means “presenting a false dilemma, or a choice between two things that are not opposites.” An example of an asymmetrical sentence is, “Are things following the right course or still asymmetrical?”

How To Properly Use Symmetrical And Asymmetrical In A Sentence

Symmetrical means that both sides of an item are identical. On the other hand, asymmetrical means that things are irregular, do not match up or are crooked. Therefore, these words are antonyms because they have opposite meanings.

That explains the link between these words beyond their spellings. Next, we discuss how you can use these words in sentences. Here are some valuable tips you must consider:

How To Use The Word Symmetrical

This term is an adjective that modifies a noun or a pronoun. It gives more details about something. So, use it to explain the following characteristics of an object:

• Made up of similar opposite parts 
• Having a proportionate arrangement of parts
• Exhibiting characteristics of symmetry
• Having great physical beauty, like a symmetrical face
• Having similar or identical characteristics, amounts, or qualities
• Consistency or compatibility in arrangement or another quality

How To Use The Word Asymmetrical

Like symmetrical, this word is also an adjective. It has the exact opposite meaning as its counterpart word. Use it to explain the following qualities:

• Not having a balanced distribution of elements over a while
• Without a distinct shape or form

Symmetrical Vs Asymmetrical: Understanding The Connections And Differences

The core connection between these words is that they are both formed from the root noun “symmetry.” On the other hand, the core difference is that they have opposite meanings.

Another connection between these words is that they are both adjectives. Therefore, their role is to expound on the characteristics of something or to tell more about a noun or a pronoun. Adjectives help readers visualize something through its characteristics.

 Below are other differences and connections between these words.

Origin And Etymology

The first known use of the word symmetrical was in 1751. The word came about by combining the root words “symmetry + ical.” “-Ical” is a compound adjectival word-forming element often used interchangeably with “-ic”, like symmetric and symmetrical, that have the same meaning.

In contrast, the first known use of the word asymmetric was in the 1680s. It is formed by combining the words “asymmetry + ical.” Asymmetry is formed by combining the prefix “a- “and symmetry.” The prefix “a” means “not or without.” Therefore, asymmetry means “without symmetry.”

The origin and etymology of asymmetrical and symmetrical explain their differences and similarities more. For instance, both words feature the adjectival forming element “-ical” and are all formed from the root “symmetry.”

Alternatives

Do you know that the alternative words for asymmetrical and symmetrical are symmetric and asymmetric? The suffixes “-ic” and “-ical” are often interchangeable.

Pronunciations

The proper way to pronounce “asymmetrical” is “/ey-si-me-tri-kuh.” In contrast, the proper articulation of the word symmetrical is “/si-me-tri-kuh/.” While the pronunciations differ slightly, they also have a lot in common. For instance, the last four syllables have the same pronunciation. This is understandable since the words are from the same root word.

List Of Examples Of Symmetrical And Asymmetrical In Sentences

Many people avoid words like symmetrical and asymmetrical because they seem complicated. Firstly, they are long words with complex pronunciations. Also, people avoid them because of their complex spelling.

Luckily, you do not have to avoid these words after reading this article. We prepared some sample sentences to show you how to apply these terms in sentences. Here are some creative sentences:

Example sentences of the word symmetrical

1. The students had a tough time calculating the symmetrical dimensions.
2. David’s research concluded that the determinants were symmetrical.
3. The dentist reported that it’s nearly impossible for all kids to have perfectly symmetrical teeth.
4. The kid took a bite of the apple with his perfectly symmetrical teeth.
5. The third method in the cookbook is the most symmetrical.

Example sentences of the word asymmetrical

1. The results were usually proportional, but this time they are asymmetrical.
2. We picked large asymmetrical leaves on our way to school.
3. The asymmetrical proportions don’t explain the correlation between the vectors.
4. Simon got the wrong results because he used asymmetrical formulas for the same measures.
5. An asymmetrical blouse would look fantastic with that skirt.

Conclusion

After reading this post, explaining the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical should no longer worry you. Understanding the differences and connections between these words is straightforward because if you know the definition of symmetrical, the meaning of asymmetrical becomes automatic. Another trick is to negate the definition of symmetrical as the meaning of asymmetrical.