resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resemblance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing similarities or likenesses between two or more things, people, or concepts. Example: "There is a striking resemblance between the two paintings, suggesting they may have been created by the same artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back in 2008, according to interrogation documents, handlers were forced to admit to new recruits coming straight from Europe that their facilities unfortunately bore no resemblance to those depicted in recruiting videos.

The Guardian

So sure, we can notice, and even praise, the elegance of her cheekbones or her resemblance to Jessica Lange.

The Guardian - Opinion

Looking After Jo Jo bears a superficial resemblance to Trainspotting - 'Hey man, it's just like Hill Street Blues,' one character enthuses as he watches his mate shoot up for the first time - but it doesn't have the movie's ambivalence towards drugs.

The Guardian - Film

The Academy loves the idea of a comeback and may be beguiled by Keaton's personal resemblance to his role.

The Guardian - Film

Killed them all, of course" – occurs after the film-makers present him with a letter he wrote to his friend Susan Berman which bore a close resemblance to an anonymous note sent by Berman's killer to the Beverly Hills police on the day of her murder.

The Guardian

The straw poll bears little resemblance to an election.

The Guardian

This bears a happy resemblance to Donovan's illustration – see how that front left forepaw is cocked – supporting the idea that Lever's wolf and Donovan's wolf are one and the same.

The Guardian

I read your comments about Ed Miliband and his supposed resemblance to someone "on the spectrum" just as I got home from a trip to Australia.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 11-year-old Mohammed Emwazi posing for a class photo bears no resemblance to the black-clad fighter who barked demands at western governments in Isis's grisly videos.

The Guardian

Georgina Strapp, 20, BA English and Politics, University of York "When I arrived at university I was greeted by second-year students, who helped me move in and get settled, so my first impression was of how friendly everyone was, rather than the building itself (probably a good thing, considering its more-than-passing resemblance to a prison).

The Guardian

The role had already been given to a radio DJ, he said, but "when they came to my place, mainly to get extras for the battle scenes, then they noticed a family resemblance to my great-grandfather.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the degree of similarity, consider using adjectives like "striking", "close", or "superficial" to provide a more nuanced description of the "resemblance".

Common error

Avoid using "resemblance" when the similarities are trivial or coincidental. Ensure the comparison is significant and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "resemblance" is that of a noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a state or quality of being similar. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resemblance" functions as a noun used to denote a similarity or likeness between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media, formal business writing, and scientific contexts, implying a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider using adjectives like "striking" or "superficial" to add nuance and ensure that the comparison is significant. Alternatives such as "similarity" or "likeness" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similarity

Focuses on the degree to which things are alike, often used interchangeably but can emphasize shared qualities.

likeness

Highlights a visual or superficial similarity, often implying a direct correspondence in appearance.

correspondence

Suggests a specific and demonstrable parallel or connection between two things.

affinity

Implies a natural connection or attraction, suggesting a shared origin or inherent link.

parallel

Emphasizes a side-by-side comparison, where elements match point-for-point in a structured manner.

analogy

Highlights a similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.

semblance

Suggests an outward appearance or imitation, often implying a lack of genuine quality.

equivalence

Indicates that two things are essentially the same in value, function, or meaning.

commonality

Focuses on shared characteristics or features that multiple things possess.

connection

Indicates a general link or association, without specifying the nature or degree of similarity.

FAQs

How can I use "resemblance" in a sentence?

You can use "resemblance" to describe the similarity between two or more things. For example, "The painting bears a striking "resemblance" to Van Gogh's style."

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

"Resemblance" often refers to a visual or apparent likeness, while "similarity" is a broader term encompassing any shared quality or characteristic. Although they are usually interchangeable in most of the context, the word "resemblance" is more specific than "similarity".

What can I say instead of "resemblance"?

Alternatives include "likeness", "similarity", or "correspondence" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "bear a resemblance to"?

Yes, the phrase "bear a resemblance to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has similarities to something else. Other similar options include: "has a "resemblance" to" or "shows a "resemblance" to".