Resemble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏ
resemble
[rษชหzษmbษl ]
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.
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| 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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 viewerโs 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.
Origin of 'resemble'
Main points about word origin
- 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'.
The word 'resemble' originated from the Middle English word 'resemblen', which came from the Old French word 'resembler', meaning 'to be like'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.
See also: resemblance, resembling.