Resemblance

rɪˈzɛmbləns

nounmediumCommonArts

Definitions

1

A similarity or likeness.

rɪˈzɛmbləns

nounneutralmedium
Arts

The state or fact of resembling or being similar to something else.

There was a strong resemblance between the two sisters.

💡 Simply: It's like when two people look alike, or when a painting looks a lot like the person it's supposed to be. It's about how similar things are.

👶 For kids: When things look or act like each other, that's resemblance!

More Examples

2

The painting had a striking resemblance to the actual landscape.

3

He noticed a clear resemblance in their handwriting.

How It's Used

Art

"The portrait had a striking resemblance to the subject."

Genetics

"There was a strong resemblance between the twins' DNA."

Psychology

"He noted a resemblance between his current feelings and those he experienced during his childhood."

Idioms & expressions

bear a resemblance

To have or show a similarity to something else.

"The new model of the car bears a strong resemblance to the previous version."

From Middle English *resemblaunce*, from Old French *resemblance*, from *resembler* ('to resemble'), from Latin *similis* ('like').

The word 'resemblance' has been used since the 14th century, often in the context of visual likeness or similarity.

Memory tip

Think of 'semblance' as a shared appearance or character that connects two things.

resemblenceresemblense

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written