Identical vs. Selfsame

Attribute	Identical	Selfsame
Definition	Being the same in every way	Being the same in essence or nature
Usage	Commonly used in logic and mathematics	Less commonly used, more philosophical
Meaning	Exact sameness	Sameness in essence or nature
Context	Often used in technical or formal contexts	Used in more abstract or philosophical discussions

Definition

Identical and selfsame are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Identical refers to two things that are exactly the same in every way, while selfsame refers to something that is the same as itself. In other words, identical implies a comparison between two separate entities, while selfsame refers to a single entity being consistent with itself.

Usage

Identical is commonly used when talking about physical objects or people that are indistinguishable from each other. For example, identical twins are siblings who share the same DNA and look very similar. On the other hand, selfsame is often used in a more abstract or philosophical context to emphasize the sameness or unity of something. For instance, a writer might use the word selfsame to describe the unchanging nature of a character throughout a story.

Connotations

Identical tends to have a more neutral connotation, simply indicating that two things are the same in every aspect. It is often used in scientific or technical contexts where precision is important. Selfsame, on the other hand, can have a more poetic or literary connotation, suggesting a deeper sense of unity or continuity. It is often used in more expressive or artistic writing to convey a sense of permanence or consistency.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between identical and selfsame:

• Identical: The two cars parked in the driveway are identical in make, model, and color.
• Selfsame: The selfsame melody played throughout the entire symphony, creating a sense of unity and coherence.

Similarities

Despite their differences, identical and selfsame do share some similarities. Both words emphasize sameness or similarity, and both can be used to highlight the consistency or uniformity of something. Additionally, both words can be used to emphasize the importance of a particular quality or attribute by emphasizing its unchanging nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while identical and selfsame are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and connotations. Identical refers to two things that are exactly the same, while selfsame emphasizes the sameness or unity of a single entity. Both words have their own unique uses and contexts, and understanding the differences between them can help to enhance clarity and precision in writing.