a distant resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant resemblance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe how two things are similar, but the similarity is not strong or obvious. For example: "The two recipes had a distant resemblance, with both including the same spices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Souther, 66, is a wiry, tense performer with a distant resemblance to Clint Eastwood.

The New York Times - Arts

In her pop moments she exhibits a distant resemblance to Dinah Shore.

The New York Times - Arts

With his dark brows and frameless glasses, he bears a distant resemblance to Giorgio de Chirico's portrait of Albert Barnes.

Independent

Still, the Fed chairman does talk in a code that, while usually easy to decipher, bears only a distant resemblance to English.

The New York Times

But they are also creatures of fantasy, bearing only a distant resemblance to the animals the naturalist observes, and they are amusing because the poet skillfully exploits the incongruities between the animal and the human elements they embody.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But vocally Mr. Secada bears only a distant resemblance to an ethereal crooner with one foot on a pink cloud and the other kicking up stardust in celestial climes.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But elsewhere Mr. Feinstein became a Sinatra-like leader of an imaginary gay Rat Pack, in which Mr. Jackson's distant resemblance to Elvis Presley (who idolized Dean Martin) suggested a cleaned-up Martin-like crony to Mr. Feinstein's Ol' Blue Eyes.

The New York Times - Arts

Fans of German whites may detect a distant stylistic resemblance to young trocken or halbtrocken -- dry or off-dry -- Mosel rieslings.

The New York Times

His comely wife, Barbara Fasano, who bears a distant vocal resemblance to Lena Horne, is best known for her Harold Arlen album, "Written in the Stars".

The New York Times - Arts

When they compared the genomes at each location, they found a whole suite of tumor types with only a distant family resemblance, as if each spot and organ had become the home for its own phylum of disease.

The New York Times - Magazine

There's a distant stylistic resemblance (in both music and movement) between flamenco and Bharata Natyam, and yet flamenco dancers wear shoes with heels that they drill loudly into the floor, whereas Bharata Natyam dancers, barefoot, wear ankle bells.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant resemblance" when you want to acknowledge a similarity but also emphasize that it is not a strong or obvious one. This can be useful in nuanced descriptions or comparisons.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant resemblance" when the similarity is actually quite strong or obvious. Choose a more accurate descriptor if the connection is more pronounced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant resemblance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature and quality of similarity or likeness, indicating a subtle or weak connection. As Ludwig AI explains, the similarity is not strong or obvious.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distant resemblance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe subtle or weak similarities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers examples where the connection between two elements is not immediately apparent. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as scientific and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the similarity is, in fact, distant and not overstated. Alternatives like "a slight similarity" or "a vague likeness" may be appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight similarity

Indicates a less pronounced connection than "a distant resemblance".

a vague likeness

Suggests an even weaker and less defined similarity.

a remote parallel

Implies a similarity that is far-fetched or not immediately apparent.

a faint echo

Conveys a weak and indirect connection, often in terms of influence or style.

a loose correlation

Indicates a weak or imprecise relationship between two things.

a superficial connection

Suggests that the similarity is only on the surface and doesn't go deep.

a far-off echo

Similar to "a faint echo", but emphasizes the distance or indirectness.

a tangential relationship

Implies that the connection is indirect and only touches at a single point.

a notional resemblance

Highlights that the resemblance exists more in theory than in reality.

a shadow of similarity

Emphasizes the weak and insubstantial nature of the resemblance.

FAQs

How can I use "a distant resemblance" in a sentence?

You can use "a distant resemblance" to describe a similarity that is not immediately obvious or strong. For example, "The sequel bears "a distant resemblance" to the original, but the plot is entirely new".

What's the difference between "a distant resemblance" and "a striking resemblance"?

"A distant resemblance" implies a weak or subtle similarity, while "a striking resemblance" indicates a strong and obvious similarity. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual degree of likeness.

Are there synonyms for "a distant resemblance" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a slight similarity", "a vague likeness", or "a remote parallel" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a distant resemblance" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a distant resemblance" when you want to acknowledge a subtle or weak similarity between two things, without implying a strong or direct connection.