Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

apples and oranges

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.39 in modern English

Syllables: ap-ples and o-r-anges
IPA

22

Scrabble Score

16

Letters

4

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A comparison of items that, however categorically similar, is inapt; an incompatible analogy, or the items so compared; a disanalogy.

noun

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see apples, and, oranges.

Example Sentences

"It's apples and oranges. You can't convert square meters to linear inches."
"So on the one hand, comparing policing issues in Scotland with what is happening in England may be like comparing apples and oranges."
"In comparing Britain with other countries, it is important to remember that we are not comparing like with like; there is an apples and oranges issue."

Inflected Forms

apples to oranges (alternative)

Phrases

mix apples and oranges like-for-like

Frequently Paired Words

coinstantiation incomparable like-for-like noncomparable uncomparable apples to apples apples with apples apples to apples, oranges to oranges

Synonyms

chalk and cheese day and night night and day

Questions

What does apples and oranges mean?: A comparison of items that, however categorically similar, is inapt; an incompatible analogy, or the items so compared; a disanalogy.

How to pronounce apples and oranges

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