# likeness

/ˈɫaɪknəs/ (US) · /lˈaɪknəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/likeness
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the quality of being similar to someone or something else. It can also mean a picture or statue that looks exactly like a person.

For teachers: the state or quality of being alike; a pictorial or sculptural representation of a person. Often used in the context of physical resemblance between family members.

## Examples

- The boy has a strong likeness to his father.
- The museum recently acquired a bronze likeness of the former president, praised for its realistic detail.
- While the two sisters share a striking physical likeness, their temperaments are so diametrically opposed that one would hardly guess they were raised in the same household.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the likeness with his brother" but "the likeness to his brother" — While 'similarity' often takes 'with', 'likeness' more naturally pairs with the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Often takes the preposition 'to' or 'between'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.