Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; identical.
same — Definition and meaning
• Lacking variety from; indistinguishable.
• Similar, alike.
• Used to express the unity of an object or person which has various different descriptions or qualities.
• A reply of confirmation of identity.
(Adverb) The same way; in the same manner; to the same extent, unchanged; equally.
(Pronoun) The identical thing, ditto.
• Something similar, something of the identical type.
• It or them, without a connotation of similarity.
• It or them, as above, meaning the last object mentioned, mainly as complement: on the same, for the same.
(Interjection) Indicates approval or agreement with the previous material, especially in reference to the previous speaker's viewpoint.
(Adverb) Together.
The importance of same
same appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.
How same is applied
In practice, same is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.