English Reference
noun

resemblance

n.
US /ɹiˈzɛmbɫəns/ UK /ɹɪsˈɛmbləns/ re·sem·blance UK spelling resemblance's, resemblance's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the fact that two people or things look like each other.

    the quality of being similar in physical appearance, especially between family members or related objects.

    Simple

    The resemblance between the two brothers is amazing; they look like twins.

    In context

    The striking physical resemblance between the portrait and the young heir confirmed the artist's commitment to realism over flattery.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'between' or 'to'.

    Pitfall
    There is a resemblance of him and his father. There is a resemblance between him and his father.

    Use the preposition 'between' when comparing two people or things with this noun.

    differencedissimilarity
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic

    a way in which two things are similar in how they work or what they are.

    a correspondence or parallel in nature, character, or function.

    Simple

    The new law bears a close resemblance to the one passed last year.

    In context

    Scholars have noted a significant structural resemblance between the two languages, suggesting a common ancestral root despite their geographic distance.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'bear' (e.g., 'to bear a resemblance').


From Anglo-Norman resemblance, from Old French (compare French ressemblance). Morphologically resemble + -ance.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French -
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated