# resemblance

/ɹiˈzɛmbɫəns/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɛmbləns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/resemblance
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. similarity in appearance

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. similarity in character or quality

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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').

## Examples

- There is a strong resemblance between the two brothers.
- The new model bears a striking resemblance to the original design from the 1960s.
- While the two theories share a superficial resemblance, a closer examination of their core principles reveals fundamental differences in how they approach economic growth.

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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.