resemblance
gb/ɹɪzˈɛmbləns/ us/ɹɪzˈɛmbləns/
B1
English
~ 4300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
likeness in appearance or qualities
When two or more things look or are like each other.
Usage pattern:
[something] has a resemblance to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'resemblance' (a noun) with 'resemble' (a verb), using them interchangeably when the grammar changes.
Synonyms
similarity (A broader term for being alike in any way, not just appearance.)
|
likeness (Often used for visual or physical similarity, sometimes more formal.)
Antonyms
difference (Highlights the ways in which two things are not alike.)
|
contrast (Emphasizes clear and noticeable differences.)
Collocations
bear a resemblance
|family resemblance
|close resemblance
|striking resemblance
Themes
description
|relationships
|visual
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a strong resemblance between the two brothers.
- Her painting bears a close resemblance to Van Gogh’s style.
- The resemblance between the actor and the historical figure is uncanny.
- They share more than a passing resemblance in their mannerisms.
- The twins have a striking resemblance to each other.
Learner examples
- My dog has a resemblance to a wolf.
- She has a close resemblance to her mother.
- There is a strong resemblance between the two houses.
- This picture shows a resemblance to the old one.
- The two boys have a family resemblance.
Grammar
Dictionary form
resemblance
IPA
GB/ɹɪzˈɛmbləns/
US/ɹɪzˈɛmbləns/
Syllables & stress
re - semb - lance (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (semb)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: resemblance
- Plural: resemblance, resemblances
Word family
Expressions
bear a resemblance to
1/bˈɛɹ ə ɹɪzˈɛmbləns tə/
fixed phrase
to look or be like someone or something
To look like or be similar to someone or something.
Examples
- He bears a striking resemblance to his grandfather.
- The new building bears little resemblance to the old one.
family resemblance
1/fˈæmɪli ɹɪzˈɛmbləns/
fixed phrase
shared looks or traits in a family
A way in which members of the same family look or are like each other.
Examples
- There is a strong family resemblance between the sisters.
- You can see the family resemblance in their smiles.
passing resemblance
1/pˈæsɪŋ ɹɪzˈɛmbləns/
fixed phrase
a small or brief similarity
A small amount of similarity between two things.
Examples
- The sketch bore only a passing resemblance to the criminal.
- He has a passing resemblance to the famous singer.
striking resemblance
1/stɹˈaɪkɪŋ ɹɪzˈɛmbləns/
fixed phrase
very noticeable similarity
A very strong and easy-to-see similarity.
Examples
- There is a striking resemblance between the two paintings.
- She bears a striking resemblance to her grandmother.