What is the term for the similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar?

The term that refers to the similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar is "analogies." Analogies are used to explain or clarify a concept by drawing a comparison between two different things that share common characteristics. This is particularly useful in education and instruction, as it helps students understand complex ideas by relating them to more familiar or simpler concepts.

For instance, in teaching, an instructor might use an analogy to compare the structure of a cell to a factory, highlighting how both have different parts that work together to perform specific functions. This type of comparison helps create a clearer understanding by emphasizing similarities, even when the subjects being compared are fundamentally different.

The other terms listed do not fit the definition. Anecdotes are personal stories or accounts that illustrate a point but do not focus on comparative similarity. Chronic barriers refer to long-term obstacles that impede progress or success, while situational barriers are specific to particular circumstances or settings. None of these options convey the idea of drawing similarities between dissimilar objects as effectively as analogies do.