likeness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'likeness' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a resemblance to someone or something else, either physical or figurative. For example: The sculptor created a bronze statue of the famous actor, capturing his likeness perfectly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But also, by Paradigmatism, L1 is like L2, and hence, by symmetry of likeness, L2 is like L1.

SEP

At his campaign rallies supporters clad in blue sweatshirts bearing his likeness try to galvanise onlookers with chants, dance routines and a throbbing, disco-like campaign song.

The Economist

It is perhaps to stop such situations that Robin Williams, it was revealed last week, signed a deed to prevent his image, or any likeness of him, being used at least 25 years after his death.

The Guardian

He cast OJ Simpson's likeness – after adding a few extra layers to make the head big enough – but he had never encountered a tooth-gap before.

The Guardian - Sport

Turkmenistan's equestrian-mad leader has been honoured with a huge monument in the capital city, featuring his likeness atop a golden horse.

The Guardian

"After seeing the Hillary Clinton campaign logo on Sunday I was struck by its likeness to many photos the 9/11 WTC terror attacks," he told the Guardian.

The Guardian

He said: "Like Turner strapping himself to the ship's mast in order to create a true likeness of a storm, Yeo time and time again achieves what should be impossible: creating a true picture, an image or a glimpse, of people we think we know and of those we've never met".

The Guardian - Arts

That office has a Playmobil likeness of Ive, a Banksy print of the Queen with the face of a chimpanzee, and a poster saying "believe in your fucking self.

The Guardian - Tech

However, the Bruce Lee estate is now seeking legal action to prevent his CG likeness appearing in the film, with their lawyer stating the family are "justifiably shocked" at the idea.

The Guardian

"Up till now, most celebrities when they died did not leave clear instructions to their heirs and estates on what could be done with their image or likeness, so most have a free reign to make a real windfall from allowing the image of the celebrity to be resurrected through technology.

The Guardian

Indeed, recent figures have shown that the posthumous earnings made by celebrities from their image or likeness alone now exceeds £1bn, with some, such as Muhammad Ali, even selling their image rights before death so they can reap the profits while still alive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to legal matters regarding the use of someone's appearance, use "likeness" to specify the rights over their image. For example, 'The celebrity's estate controls the rights to their name and likeness'.

Common error

Avoid using "likeness" when you mean "likely". "Likeness" refers to resemblance, while "likely" indicates probability. For example, use "There is a high likelihood of rain" instead of "There is a high likeness of rain".

Linguistic Context

The word "likeness" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the quality or state of resembling, or a representation (like a portrait or image). Ludwig provides examples where it denotes both abstract similarity and concrete representations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "likeness" is a common term used to describe the resemblance between two entities, or to refer to an image or representation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It appears most commonly in News & Media, followed by Science and Formal & Business contexts. Synonyms include "resemblance", "similarity", and "image". When using "likeness", be sure not to confuse it with "likely", and remember that it's particularly useful when discussing legal rights or visual representations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemblance

Focuses more on the similarity in appearance or qualities.

visual likeness

Specifies that the similarity is based on visual appearance.

similarity

Emphasizes the shared characteristics between two or more things.

spitting image

Indicates a very close resemblance, often familial.

semblance

Implies an outward appearance or imitation of something.

image

Refers to a visual representation or impression.

portrait

Specifically refers to a representation of a person.

representation

Highlights the act of depicting or symbolizing something.

depiction

Focuses on the way something is portrayed or represented.

counterfeit

Highlights the similarity when trying to trick or deceive someone.

FAQs

How can I use "likeness" in a sentence?

"Likeness" can refer to resemblance (e.g., 'The painting bore a striking likeness to the model') or a representation of someone (e.g., 'A statue displaying his likeness was erected in the town square').

What are some synonyms for "likeness"?

Synonyms for "likeness" include "resemblance", "similarity", "semblance", "image", and "portrait". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "likeness" and "similarity"?

"Likeness" often implies a visual or representational resemblance, like a portrait capturing someone's appearance. "Similarity" indicates shared qualities or characteristics that may not be visual.

In what contexts is the word "likeness" most appropriate?

The word "likeness" is most appropriate when discussing portraits, representations, legal rights to one's image, and overall resemblance. Examples include artwork, intellectual property law, and describing someone who bears a strong "resemblance" to another.