resemblance
n.-
1 similarity in appearance (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe 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.
ExampleThe resemblance between the two brothers is amazing; they look like twins.
ExampleThe striking physical resemblance between the portrait and the young heir confirmed the artist's commitment to realism over flattery.
UsageCommonly followed by the preposition 'between' or 'to'.
- likeness
- similarity
- sameness
- difference
- dissimilarity
PitfallThere 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.
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2 similarity in character or quality (n.) C1 Advanced Academica way in which two things are similar in how they work or what they are.
a correspondence or parallel in nature, character, or function.
ExampleThe new law bears a close resemblance to the one passed last year.
ExampleScholars have noted a significant structural resemblance between the two languages, suggesting a common ancestral root despite their geographic distance.
UsageOften used with the verb 'bear' (e.g., 'to bear a resemblance').
From Anglo-Norman resemblance, from Old French (compare French ressemblance). Morphologically resemble + -ance.