Resemble: meaning, definitions and examples
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resemble
[rɪˈzɛmbəl ]
Definitions
appearance
To resemble means to have a similar appearance to someone or something else. It implies a likeness or similarity in physical attributes or qualities.
Synonyms
be similar to, look like, take after.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| resemble |
Used when describing a likeness, usually in appearance, between two things or people. Often used in a formal or neutral context.
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| look like |
Commonly used in informal contexts to describe visual similarities between people or objects.
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| be similar to |
Used to indicate that two things share similar characteristics or qualities. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
|
| take after |
Used mainly to describe family resemblances, indicating that someone has inherited traits or behaviors from an older family member. Often used in informal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He resembles his father in looks.
- The two sisters closely resemble each other.
- The painting closely resembles the original masterpiece.
mannerism
To resemble can also refer to imitating or copying someone's mannerisms or behavior.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| resemble |
Use 'resemble' to indicate when one thing looks like or is similar to another thing. It is often used to describe physical appearance or characteristics.
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| imitate |
Use 'imitate' to describe following or copying the behavior, appearance, or sounds of someone or something. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation.
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| copy |
Use 'copy' to describe duplicating or reproducing something exactly. It can refer to written work, documents, behaviors, or actions, and can have a negative connotation if it implies a lack of originality.
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| emulate |
Use 'emulate' when trying to match or surpass someone by imitating their positive qualities or achievements. It often has a positive connotation and implies admiration and ambition.
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Examples of usage
- She resembles her favorite actress in the way she speaks.
- He resembles a famous comedian in his comedic timing.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'resemble' comes from the Latin 'ressemblare' which means 'to bring together again'.
- It entered the English language in the late 15th century, showing how the meaning has been consistent over time.
- It combines the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'semble' from 'similis', meaning 'like or similar'.
Psychology
- Humans often use resemblance to form categories and make quick judgments about people and objects.
- Studies show people are more likely to trust those who resemble them in appearance, demonstrating the importance of visual similarity in social contexts.
- Facial resemblance can evoke emotions and memories, influencing how we react to new faces.
Art
- Artists often play with resemblance to create works that mimic reality, exploring perceptions of life and the viewer’s emotional response.
- In portrait painting, artists aim to capture a subject's likeness, allowing viewers to 'resemble' their character through visual storytelling.
- The techniques of resemblance in art, such as chiaroscuro, help in creating depth and realism.
Pop Culture
- The theme of resemblance is common in stories where characters discover they have siblings or relatives they never knew about, leading to dramatic plot twists.
- Lookalike contests leverage the idea of resemblance, celebrating those who imitate famous personalities closely.
- In movies, special effects often create characters that resemble real people, blurring lines between fiction and reality.
Language
- Language often relies on metaphorical resemblance, where abstract ideas are understood through comparisons to concrete images.
- In poetry, resemblance is a powerful tool, using similes and metaphors to evoke deeper meanings and emotions.
- This word is often used in comparative phrases, helping people express similarities across various contexts.
Translations
Translations of the word "resemble" in other languages:
🇵🇹 assemelhar-se
🇮🇳 समान होना
🇩🇪 ähneln
🇮🇩 menyerupai
🇺🇦 нагадувати
🇵🇱 przypominać
🇯🇵 似ている (nite iru)
🇫🇷 ressembler à
🇪🇸 parecerse a
🇹🇷 benzemek
🇰🇷 닮다 (dalda)
🇸🇦 يشبه (yushbih)
🇨🇿 podobat se
🇸🇰 podobať sa
🇨🇳 像 (xiàng)
🇸🇮 spominjati
🇮🇸 líkjast
🇰🇿 ұқсау
🇬🇪 მსგავსება (mskhavseba)
🇦🇿 oxşamaq
🇲🇽 parecerse a