Cool MateIdentical vs Same
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Identical | Same | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Exactly the same as something else. | identical or not different |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'identical' when comparing two or more things that have no differences. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it with subjective descriptions that don't show clear similarity. | Use 'same' to describe two or more things that are identical. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written English but can be overly repetitive in casual conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Identical vs Same
What's the difference between "Identical" and "Same"?
"Identical" means: Exactly the same as something else. "Same" means: identical or not different
When should I use "Identical" and "Same"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Identical" and "Same" the same CEFR level?
"Identical" is at B2, "Same" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.