Word
resemblance
Phoneticsre·sem·blance, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈzɛmbɫəns/
UK/ɹɪsˈɛmbləns/
Definitions
01similarity in appearance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the fact that two people or things look like each other.
n. the quality of being similar in physical appearance, especially between family members or related objects.
“The resemblance between the two brothers is amazing; they look like twins.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02similarity in character or quality
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a way in which two things are similar in how they work or what they are.
n. a correspondence or parallel in nature, character, or function.
“The new law bears a close resemblance to the one passed last year.”
“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').
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“These fossils, including a nearly complete skull, were described as belonging to Tomistoma because of their superficial resemblance to the false gharial.” “Ronaldo said the agreed notes did not require Jesus to apologise to him but said the coach’s public remarks bore no resemblance to their private discussion.” “Most of the meat we buy bears little resemblance to the breathing, thinking creature it once was.” “So all I could do was look at it from a distance and admire its resemblance to the LG briefcase TV .” Etymology
From Anglo-Norman resemblance, from Old French (compare French ressemblance). Morphologically resemble + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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