noun

semblance

SEHMB-luhns

noun

An outward appearance of something, especially one that may not match the reality underneath.

"They tried to maintain a semblance of normality during the crisis."

"There was barely a semblance of order in the classroom."

How to Use Semblance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA surface impression of something, often used when the real thing is shaky or only partly true.

Easily confused with

resemblance →

Common pairings

a semblance of order a semblance of control some semblance of normality

semblances plural

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Can you complete this real example?

They tried to maintain a _____ of normality during the crisis.

From Old French semblance, from sembler, "to seem or resemble," ultimately from Latin simulare, "to imitate."

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