What does symmetry mean?
Word: Symmetry
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Symmetry means the quality of having two halves that match each other exactly in shape and size.
Word origin: From Latin symmetria, from Greek.
How do you spell symmetry?
Syllables: sym - me - try
Tricky part: The middle is the trap. Only one m is heard, so students leave out the second.
Watch out for: symetry, symmettry
Memory tip: Fold a butterfly down the middle and the wings match. Give each wing its own m, side by side at the centre of the word.
Symmetry in a sentence
Example 1: The two wings of the old town hall stand in almost perfect symmetry.
Example 2: Kiran folded the paper and cut out a star to show symmetry to the class.
Example 3: Under the microscope, the snowflake's symmetry was easy to see.
Fun Fact
Most human faces lack perfect symmetry: look closely and the left and right sides differ slightly.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the option in which the following letters will fit in the given order:
y, e
a) c_l_nder
b) h_dr_gen
c) s_mm_try
d) p_r_mid
Show answer
c) s_mm_try. Pyramid, cylinder and hydrogen all take y as well, but none of them has e in its second gap.
Jumble Tumble
What is the meaning of the word that can be formed from the given letters?
ymrtesym
a) balance between the two sides of a shape
b) the amount of space inside a shape
c) the distance around the edge of a shape
d) the angle between two sides of a shape
Show answer
a) balance between the two sides of a shape. Once the letters are sorted, you have the maths word for a shape that matches itself.
Word Champ
Read the three statements and choose the correct option:
1. A square has four lines of symmetry. 2. A rectangle has two lines of symmetry. 3. An equilateral triangle has three lines of symmetry.
a) all three are true
b) only 2 and 3 are true
c) only 1 and 3 are true
d) only 1 and 2 are true
Show answer
a) all three are true. Each count is right; try folding the shapes on paper to see them.
Word Tally
How many words are misspelt in the sentence?
The architect explained that the symmetry of the pallace gardens depends on two fountians placed at equal distences from the main gate.
a) 4
b) 1
c) 3
d) 2
Show answer
c) 3. Palace has one l, fountains has ai, and distances has an a.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which capital letter has a vertical line of symmetry?
a) J
b) G
c) F
d) A
Show answer
d) A
2. An artist wants symmetry in a design. What should she do with the right half?
a) paint it a brighter colour
b) make it twice the left half
c) make it mirror the left half
d) fill it with new shapes
Show answer
c) make it mirror the left half
