Homogeneous
/ˌhoʊməˈdʒiːniəs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Homogeneous describes something that is uniform or the same throughout. It can refer to groups of people, materials, or mixtures where all parts are alike or have similar characteristics. This word is often used in science, social studies, and everyday descriptions to show sameness or consistency.
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See It in Action
Uniform or identical in composition or character
- •The mixture was homogeneous, with no visible pieces of different materials.
- •The population in that town is fairly homogeneous, mostly sharing the same culture.
- •Scientists prefer homogeneous samples to get clear experimental results.
Having the same kind or nature throughout
- •The team was homogeneous in skill level, making it easier to train.
- •Homogeneous groups often share similar opinions or behaviors.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "homogeneous" like "same," but more formal and used when everything is completely similar or even mixed evenly.
- ✓Picture a glass of milk where every drop looks and tastes the same—no parts are different or separate.
- ✓It's the feeling when you enter a room where everyone wears the same uniform and speaks the same language.
- ✓Sounds like "home-o-JEE-nee-us" → imagine a home where everything is joined (jee) together evenly.
- ✓Think of a smoothie where all the fruits are blended so well, you cannot see or taste separate pieces.
- ✓NOT like "heterogeneous" (different parts mixed together), "homogeneous" means all parts are alike and consistent.
- ✓NOT like "diverse" (varied, different), homogeneous means no variety or difference inside.
Try Other Words
- •Uniform: all the same throughout (Use when emphasizing no variation in appearance or quality)
- •Consistent: steady and without change (Use when focusing on reliability or sameness over time)
- •Similar: alike but not exactly the same (Use when small differences exist but things are close)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "homo-" (same) + "geneous" (from Greek "genos" meaning kind or type)
- •Etymology: From Greek roots meaning "of the same kind"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s in English to describe materials or groups that are alike
- •Modern usage: Common in science (chemistry, biology), sociology, and everyday language to describe uniformity or sameness
Reflect & Connect
•In what situations might it be better to have a homogeneous group rather than a diverse one?
•How can understanding the idea of homogeneous mixtures help in cooking or making drinks?
Fill in the blanks
1.A homogeneous mixture is one where all parts ___ the same and are evenly spread.
2.The class was homogeneous because all students had ___ skill levels.
3.Unlike a salad, which is heterogeneous, a smoothie is ___ because everything is blended.
4.Scientists need homogeneous samples to ___ their experiments clearly.
5.The team’s homogeneous makeup made it easier to ___ common goals.
6.When a group is homogeneous, people often ___ similar ideas and opinions.
7.A homogeneous material looks ___ throughout, with no different parts visible.