asymmetry — the state of being unequal or lacking symmetry between parts or aspects of something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the state of being unequal or lacking symmetry between parts or aspects of something
Pronunciation (IPA): /eɪˈsɪmətri/
Example Sentences
- Information asymmetry between the government and citizens can undermine public trust in policy decisions.
- The old palace's architecture shows a deliberate asymmetry, with one wing larger than the other.
- My roommate's cooking skills and cleaning habits show such extreme asymmetry — he's a Michelin chef but lives like a raccoon!
asymmetry
NOUN[/eɪˈsɪmətri/]
the state of being unequal or lacking symmetry between parts or aspects of something
The old cathedral's asymmetry surprises everyone — one tall tower, one short stump.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Asymmetry derives from Greek, built upon symmetry (syn- 'together' + metron 'measure'), which originally meant 'well-proportioned' or 'balanced.' The privative prefix a- (meaning 'not' or 'without') was added to create asymmetry, denoting the absence of symmetrical balance or proportion.
Breakdown
a- (not, without) + syn- (together) + metron (measure) + -y (noun suffix forming abstract concepts). The combination negates the concept of symmetrical measurement, indicating lack of balanced proportion.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Information asymmetry between the government and citizens can undermine public trust in policy decisions.”
“The old palace's architecture shows a deliberate asymmetry, with one wing larger than the other.”
“My roommate's cooking skills and cleaning habits show such extreme asymmetry — he's a Michelin chef but lives like a raccoon!”
“The economic asymmetry between developed and developing nations remains a key topic in civil service exams.”
“After my haircut, I noticed a slight asymmetry — one side was shorter, making me look like I lost a bet.”
📚Related Words
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