resemble - Master This Word

resemble Word Meanings

• to look or be like someone or something
• to have a similar appearance or character
• to bear a likeness to

resemble Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• The clouds resemble big, fluffy pillows.
• She does not resemble her brother.
• These two paintings resemble each other.
• The dog resembles a wolf.
• Their laughter can resemble music.

resemble Word Etymology

re- = again + sembler = to seem (from Latin 'simulare') | Latin → Old French → English. Imagine seeing two people who look so alike that you think they must be related, creating a memory of twin-like semblance.

English Brain Route

First I set two old portraits on the table, side by side, and tilt my head a little. I move my gaze from eye to eye, letting light skim over the cheekbones. I adjust my stance, keeping my breath even, and push the comparison forward. Gradually the small cues click—the jawline, the smile, the curve of the cheek—until I feel that they resemble each other.

Real Context

Resemble means to look or be like someone or something, and it can also indicate a similarity in appearance, behavior, or character. The verb is used when the likeness feels recognizably shared, not just a casual impression. You can say two people resemble each other, a painting resembles a photograph, or a memory resembles a dream. Resemble is more formal than look like and can pair with a to-infinitive or noun in some contexts, as in bear a resemblance to. Learners should note that resemblance can refer to physical traits or to underlying qualities, and that it does not imply identical identity or a perfect match.

Usage Reminders

• Remember: avoid 'resemble to'; use resemble with a direct object. Bear a resemblance to is a fixed phrase. Resemble can describe appearance or character. Reserve 'look like' for immediate visual impressions. Use in formal writing when describing similarities. Practice with people, objects, and ideas to master nuance.

Common Misconceptions

• Resemble ≠ equal; it indicates likeness, not identity.
• Use 'resemble' with a direct object, not 'to' after it.
• Different from 'look like' when describing traits or character.
• Bear a resemblance to is a common fixed phrase, not a random combo.
• It can refer to abstract similarities as well as physical ones.

Thinking Differences

In English, resemble signals a real likeness that can be physical or abstract, and it often feels more formal than look like. Learners tend to overuse look like in all similarity contexts, which hides the nuance that resemblance can refer to traits beyond appearance.

Learning Tips

• Practice distinguishing appearance from character in sentences.
• Pair resemble with 'to' only in fixed phrases like bear a resemblance to (not resemble to).
• Use look like for quick visual impressions; reserve resemble for meaningful similarity.
• Compare two things by listing traits they share and those that differ.
• Read or listen for contexts where similarity is noteworthy, not incidental.
• Create your own examples with people, objects, and ideas to cement nuance.

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

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