noun
Uncommon
resemblance
rih-ZEHMB-luhns
Resemblance (noun) means a similarity in appearance or qualities between two things or people. Example: “She bears a striking resemblance to her grandmother.”
noun
1
A similarity in appearance or qualities between two things or people.
"She bears a striking resemblance to her grandmother."
"The two paintings show a clear resemblance in style."
"There is little resemblance between the brothers, even though they grew up together."
How to use resemblance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow similar two things or people look or seem.
Common pairings
bear a resemblance
striking resemblance
close resemblance
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Word forms
- Plural
- resemblances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She bears a striking _____ to her grandmother.
Etymology
From Old French resemblance, from resembler ("to resemble").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for resemblance
See all rhymes for resemblance →Frequently asked questions
What does “resemblance” mean?
The word “resemblance” means a similarity in appearance or qualities between two things or people. In plain terms, how similar two things or people look or seem.
How do you pronounce “resemblance”?
“Resemblance” is pronounced rih-ZEHMB-luhns (/ɹəˈzɛmbləns/ in IPA).
How do you use “resemblance” in a sentence?
Here is “resemblance” used in a sentence: “She bears a striking resemblance to her grandmother.”
What is another word for “resemblance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “resemblance” include likeness.
What part of speech is “resemblance”?
“Resemblance” is a noun.
Where does the word “resemblance” come from?
The word “resemblance” comes from Old French. From Old French resemblance, from resembler ("to resemble").
Is “resemblance” a common word?
“Resemblance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between resemblance and similarity?
Resemblance specifically refers to a likeness in appearance or qualities between two things or people, often used when comparing how things look. Similarity is a broader term that can apply to appearance, behaviour, ideas, or any shared characteristic, not just visual likeness.
Is resemblance only about physical appearance?
No, resemblance can refer to similarity in qualities as well as appearance, so it can describe things like shared personality traits or similar structures, not just how something looks. However, it is most commonly used in everyday speech to describe visual or family likeness.
