Likeness: meaning, definitions and examples

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likeness

[ˈlaɪknəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in art

The quality or state of being alike in some way; resemblance.

Synonyms

alikeness, resemblance, similarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
likeness	Used to refer to an accurate representation, particularly in art or photography. It often implies a faithful or precise replication. The artist captured her likeness perfectly in the portrait. The statue bears a remarkable likeness to the historical figure.
resemblance	Typically used to indicate a visual or physical likeness, but can also be used more broadly. It often implies a degree of similarity but not necessarily exactness. He bears a strong resemblance to his grandfather. There is a clear resemblance between the two cars, but they are from different manufacturers.
similarity	Often used in general discussions to point out that two or more things share characteristics. It is the most versatile and commonly used word among the group. There is a striking similarity between the two proposals. The similarity in their tastes made them fast friends.
alikeness	This word is less common and typically used in more formal or academic contexts to discuss the similarity between entities. It may sound awkward in casual conversation. The alikeness between the two species suggests a common ancestor. The alikeness in their writing styles indicates they might have collaborated.

Examples of usage

Her painting bore a striking likeness to the original photograph.
The sculpture captured the likeness of the famous actor perfectly.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in person

The quality or fact of being like; similarity.

Synonyms

affinity, resemblance, similarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
likeness	Used when referring to a visual or physical similarity between two things or people. The likeness between the twins was remarkable This painting captures her likeness very well
similarity	Appropriate when referring to the state of being alike or having common features, especially in abstract or conceptual contexts. There is a striking similarity in their writing styles The similarity between the two theories is significant
resemblance	Used to highlight the degree to which someone or something looks like someone or something else. The resemblance between the two actors is uncanny He bears a strong resemblance to his grandfather
affinity	Best when describing a natural attraction or feeling of kinship toward someone or something. She has an affinity for classical music There is a strong affinity between the two researchers in their approach to the problem

Examples of usage

There was a strong family likeness between the two siblings.
The child's likeness to his father was uncanny.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in character

Similarity in character or behavior.

Synonyms

affinity, resemblance, similarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
likeness	Used when referring to a physical or visual similarity between two people or objects. The artist captured a perfect likeness of the queen in the portrait The twins have a strong likeness to each other
similarity	Generally used to discuss how two or more things share characteristics. It's a neutral term applicable in various contexts. The similarity between the two products is uncanny They have a lot of similarities in their backgrounds
resemblance	Refers more broadly to any form of similarity, especially used when comparing people or things. Can be used positively or negatively. There is a striking resemblance between the mother and daughter The plan bears little resemblance to the original idea
affinity	Often used to describe a natural liking or attraction to something or someone, not necessarily based on visual similarity. She has a strong affinity for classical music There seems to be an affinity between the two scientists

Examples of usage

Their kindness and generosity showed a strong likeness.
Their shared values created a sense of likeness among the group.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'licenesse', which means 'similarity' or 'resemblance'.
Related terms include 'like' and 'alike', both of which express similarity.
In Middle English, the term evolved to describe not just physical similarity but also likeness in character.

Art

Artists often use 'likeness' to create portraits that capture not just a person’s appearance, but also their essence.
Sculptors aim to achieve likeness through the details of their work, bringing figures to life by highlighting similarities.
Caricatures exaggerate likeness, portraying people in recognizable yet humorous ways.

Psychology

Humans have a tendency to recognize and favor familiar faces, which enhances emotional connections through likeness.
Research shows that people are more likely to trust individuals who resemble themselves, a phenomenon known as 'similarity attraction'.
Likeness is central to 'social identity theory', which suggests we define ourselves based on the groups we feel similar to, influencing our behaviors.

Literature

In storytelling, likeness often plays a role in character development, highlighting connections between protagonists.
Literature explores themes of similarity, such as doppelgängers or similar life choices leading characters down parallel paths.
Fables often rely on the likeness between characters to deliver moral lessons about identity and change.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the likeness of deities plays a key role in religious practices, allowing worshippers to relate to the divine.
Expressions like 'likeness of mind' emphasize cultural similarities that create bonds between communities.
Cultural products, like memes, rely on shared likenesses to create a sense of unity and collective humor.

Translations

Translations of the word "likeness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 semelhança

🇮🇳 समानता

🇩🇪 Ähnlichkeit

🇮🇩 kesamaan

🇺🇦 схожість

🇵🇱 podobieństwo

🇯🇵 類似

🇫🇷 ressemblance

🇪🇸 semejanza

🇹🇷 benzerlik

🇰🇷 유사성

🇸🇦 تشابه

🇨🇿 podobnost

🇸🇰 podobnosť

🇨🇳 相似

🇸🇮 podobnost

🇮🇸 líking

🇰🇿 ұқсастық

🇬🇪 მსგავსება

🇦🇿 oxşarlıq

🇲🇽 semejanza

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,446 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9443 decimal
9444 cooler
9445 quorum
9446 likeness
9447 conducive
9448 nicely
9449 harness
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