Definition

Verb: - To have a similar appearance to or share qualities with someone or something else; to look like or be like.

Usage

The verb "resemble" is used to state that one person or thing is similar to another in appearance, character, or other qualities. It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the thing that is being resembled). - It is often used in the simple present tense to describe a general or permanent similarity. - It can be used in various tenses to describe similarities observed in the past, present, or future. - It is commonly used with adverbs like "closely," "strongly," or "vaguely" to modify the degree of similarity.

Examples

• Basic Usage:

  • She resembles her mother very much.
  • The two houses resemble each other in design.
  • This situation resembles one we faced last year.

• With Adverbs:

  • The child closely resembles his father.
  • The artificial flavor only vaguely resembles the real fruit.

• In Different Tenses:

  • Past: Even as a baby, he resembled his grandfather.
  • Present Continuous: The new model is resembling the classic version more and more.
  • Future: I think the final product will resemble the initial prototype.

Advanced Usage

• "to bear a resemblance to": This is a more formal or literary phrase with a meaning identical to "resemble."
  • The landscape bears a striking resemblance to the Scottish Highlands.
• Used in negative constructions to emphasize difference.
  • The copy does not resemble the original in any meaningful way.

Variants and Related Words

• Resemblance (noun): The state of resembling; similarity in appearance or character.
  • There is a strong family resemblance between the sisters.
• Resemblant (adjective): Having resemblance; similar (less common).
  • The artist created a resemblant portrait.

Synonyms

• Look like: (Informal) To have a similar appearance.
• Take after: (Idiomatic, usually for people) To resemble a family member in appearance or character.
• Be similar to: To share qualities with.
• Mirror: To correspond closely to.
• Echo: To be reminiscent of.

Antonyms

• Differ from: To be unlike or dissimilar.
• Contrast with: To be strikingly different.

Idioms and Phrases

• As alike as two peas in a pod: An idiom meaning two people or things look very similar.
  • The twins are as alike as two peas in a pod; they strongly resemble each other.
• The spitting image of: An idiom meaning an exact likeness.
  • He's the spitting image of his father; he resembles him completely.

Verb

1. appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to
   • She resembles her mother very much
   • This paper resembles my own work