What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
isometry
Example
The isometry of the square onto itself is a rotation of 90 degrees. [isometry: noun]
Example
The isometry of the triangle maps it onto a congruent triangle. [isometry: verb]
symmetry
Example
The butterfly has perfect symmetry with identical wings on either side. [symmetry: noun]
Example
The snowflake has six-fold rotational symmetry. [symmetry: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Symmetry is more commonly used than isometry in everyday language. Symmetry is a familiar concept that is often encountered in art, design, and nature, while isometry is a more technical term used in the study of geometry and topology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between isometry and symmetry?
Isometry is a more technical and formal term compared to symmetry, which is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.