Definition

Homogeneous means having the same or similar characteristics or composition throughout, or consisting of elements or parts that are all of the same kind or nature.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Adjective.

Synonyms

Uniform, consistent, identical, equivalent, alike.

Antonyms

Heterogeneous, diverse, different, varied, mixed.

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun homogeneousness, homogeneousnesses, homogeny, homogeneities, homogeneity, homogenies
Verb None
Adjective homogenous, homogeneous
Adverb homogeneously

Example Sentences

  • The solution was completely homogeneous, with no visible separation of its components.

  • The team was homogeneous in terms of their skills and expertise, making them highly effective.

  • The population of the small town was relatively homogeneous, with most residents belonging to the same ethnic group.

  • The artist used a homogeneous color palette for the painting, giving it a unified look and feel.

Usage

The word “homogeneous” can be used in a variety of contexts, from chemistry to social sciences. In chemistry, homogeneous substances have the same composition throughout and are often used in experiments or reactions to ensure consistency. In mathematics, a homogeneous equation is one that is made up of terms of the same degree, which can be helpful in solving certain problems.

In social sciences, homogeneous can refer to a group of people or a population that is similar in terms of certain characteristics, such as age, gender, or ethnicity. This can be beneficial for research or policy-making purposes, as it allows for more accurate comparisons and analysis. However, it can also lead to issues of homogeneity bias, where certain groups are overrepresented or excluded.

The word “homogeneous” can also be used with various prefixes, suffixes, and roots to modify its meaning or create related words. For example, “heterogeneous” is the opposite of homogeneous and means having diverse or varied characteristics. “Homogenize” means to make something more homogeneous or uniform, while “homogeneity” refers to the state of being homogeneous. The root “homo-” comes from the Greek word for “same,” and is also found in words like “homosexual” and “homonym.”