semelhantes

Semelhantes is the plural form of the Portuguese adjective semelhante, meaning “similar” or “alike.” It is used to indicate likeness between two or more nouns or to refer to things that share characteristics. As a noun, os semelhantes can denote people or things that resemble others, often in the sense of peers or those alike in some respect.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin similis, via Romance languages. It is cognate with Spanish semejante, French semblable, and Italian simile, reflecting shared Latin roots for likeness and similarity.

Grammar and usage: The adjective semelhante can be used for masculine and feminine nouns in the singular as semelhante, with the plural form semelhantes used for both genders. When used as a noun, os semelhantes or os semelhante can refer to people who are similar to someone, or more broadly to others like oneself. Examples: “Essas duas casas são semelhantes.” “Ele e seus semelhantes compartilham interesses.”

In contrast to other terms, semelhante emphasizes a likeness in quality or characteristic rather than exact identity, and it is commonly paired with prepositions or used in comparing sets or groups. Related terms include semelhança (the noun form meaning “similarity”) and parecidos (a synonym in many contexts, though with slightly different nuance).

Academic and mathematical usage: In geometry, the related term semelhança describes the property of similar figures, where shapes have proportional corresponding sides and equal angles, often referred to as figuras semelhantes.