differences - Usage of "symmetrical" and "symmetric"


What is the appropriate usage of "symmetrical" and "symmetric" (using the geometrical adjectival definition of both terms)? Are they synonymous?



Answer



Merriam-Webster lists symmetric as being a variant of symmetrical, which is the 'official' dictionary entry:



symmetrical, adj : 1 : having or involving symmetry : exhibiting symmetry : exhibiting correspondence in size and shape of parts : BALANCED, REGULAR {the human body is symmetrical} {crystals are often symmetrical} {a symmetrical garden} {a symmetrical grouping}



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