homogeneity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal
Quick answer
What does “homogeneity” mean?
The quality or state of being all the same or of the same kind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being all the same or of the same kind; uniformity.
The quality of having identical properties throughout a structure, system, or mixture, especially in mathematics, physics, sociology, and cultural studies, implying a lack of diversity or internal variation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or form. Spelling is identical; pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term often implies a critique when applied to social groups (e.g., 'cultural homogeneity'), suggesting a lack of diversity. In scientific contexts (e.g., 'mixture homogeneity'), it is purely descriptive.
Frequency
Slightly more common in academic writing (sciences, social sciences) than in everyday speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “homogeneity” in a Sentence
the homogeneity of [NOUN PHRASE]a high degree of homogeneity in [NOUN PHRASE]homogeneity across [PLURAL NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homogeneity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The process is designed to homogenise the mixture.
American English
- The process is designed to homogenize the mixture.
adverb
British English
- The cells were distributed homogeneously across the slide.
American English
- The ingredients must be mixed homogeneously.
adjective
British English
- The sample was surprisingly homogeneous.
American English
- The student population is not homogeneous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The company's marketing strategy failed because it assumed a homogeneity of consumer tastes across different regions.'
Academic
'The homogeneity of variance assumption must be tested before proceeding with the ANOVA.'
Everyday
'The neighbourhood's homogeneity, with every house looking almost the same, feels a bit dull to me.'
Technical
'The plasma displayed perfect homogeneity throughout the magnetic field.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homogeneity”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homogeneity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homogeneity”
- Misspelling: 'homogenity' (missing the 'e' after 'g').
- Incorrect part of speech: Using as an adjective (correct adjective is 'homogeneous').
- Mispronunciation: Stressing the third syllable incorrectly (/həˌmɒdʒəˈnɪɪti/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The adjective form is 'homogeneous' (US) / 'homogeneous' (UK). Example: 'a homogeneous mixture'.
It is context-dependent. In science and manufacturing, it's neutral or positive (e.g., 'homogeneity of the sample'). In social contexts, it often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of diversity.
They are very close synonyms. 'Uniformity' often stresses external, observable consistency (e.g., uniforms, rules), while 'homogeneity' emphasizes internal, compositional sameness (e.g., of a mixture, a population).
The most common American pronunciation is /ˌhoʊ.moʊ.dʒəˈniː.ə.t̬i/, with a long 'o' in the first syllable, a secondary stress on 'mo', and a flapped/tapped 't' sound in the last syllable.
The quality or state of being all the same or of the same kind.
Homogeneity is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly incorporate the noun 'homogeneity'. The related adjective 'homogeneous' is used more idiomatically.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HOMO' (same) + 'GENE' (kind/type) + 'ITY' (state/quality) = the state of being of the same type.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOMOGENEITY IS A BLENDED SOUP / HOMOGENEITY IS A MONOTONE NOTE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'homogeneity' most likely to be used positively?