What is resemblance? Pronunciation and usage in English

resemblance means . Learn how to pronounce and use resemblance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of resemblance

resemblancenoun

/rɪˈzembləns//rɪˈzembləns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "resemblance." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic guidance:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌrɛməˈsɛləns/

Explanation:

  • re-: Pronounced like "reh" as in "red." (Sounds like /rɛ/)
  • mem-: Pronounced like "mem" as in "memory." (Sounds like /mə/)
  • -sense-: This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "sens-ee." The "-ense" part is a diphthong (a blended vowel sound). Think of it as a short "eh" sound followed quickly by an "eye" sound. (Sounds like /ˈsɛnsi/)
  • -lab: Pronounced like "lab" as in "labrador." (Sounds like /lɑb/)
  • -ity: Pronounced like “-ity” as in “ability.” (Sounds like /ɪti/)

Putting it all together:

It’s roughly pronounced: “reh-muh-SENSS-uhns”

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the third syllable: “SENSS.”
  • The “sens” sound: Really focus on making that blended “eh-eye” sound. It’s not just saying "sense" and adding an "e" at the end.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are a few resources:
    • Google: Search "how to pronounce resemblance" on Google and listen to the audio results.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/resemblance/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.

Would you like me to:

  • Slow down the pronunciation?
  • Give you an example sentence to pronounce it in context?

Usage and examples with the word resemblance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "resemblance" in English. It's a fascinating word with a slightly nuanced meaning.

1. Core Meaning: Similarity

At its most basic, "resemblance" means a similarity or likeness between two things. It's about having qualities that are alike.

  • Example: "There's a strong resemblance between her and her mother." (They look alike.)
  • Example: "The two paintings share a striking resemblance in their color palettes." (They have similar colors.)

2. As a Noun (the most common usage)

  • Definition: A similarity or likeness.
  • Common Phrases:
    • "A resemblance to..." – This is a very common pattern. "There's a resemblance to a rose in the shape of the flower."
    • "To resemble someone/something" – To be similar to someone or something. "He resembles his father in appearance." "The castle resembles a medieval fortress."
    • "A resemblance of..." – Less common, but possible. "A resemblance of sadness in her eyes."

3. As a Verb (less common, but important)

  • Definition: To be similar to; to bear a likeness to.
  • Example: “The two buildings resemble each other closely.” (They look alike.)
  • Example: “The story resembles a classic fairy tale.” (It shares qualities with a fairy tale.)

4. Types of Resemblance

"Resemblance" can be used to describe different types of similarity:

  • Physical Resemblance: Looks like someone or something (hair, eyes, features). “She bears a strong resemblance to her grandmother.”
  • Character Resemblance: Shares personality traits or behavior. “He has a resemblance of his father’s stubbornness.”
  • Symbolic Resemblance: Similar in meaning or representation. “The statue has a resemblance to the virtues of justice and courage.”
  • Historical Resemblance: Similar events or patterns in the past. “This economic crisis resembles the one of the 1930s.”

5. Key Differences: Resemblance vs. Similarity

While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference:

  • Similarity: A general term for being alike. It’s a broader concept.
  • Resemblance: Suggests a more specific or noticeable similarity. It's often about a recognizable likeness, not just any shared quality. Resemblance tends to imply a stronger connection.

Examples to Illustrate the Difference:

  • Similarity: “Apples and oranges are similar.” (They are both fruits.)
  • Resemblance: “The new model resembles the older one.” (It looks very much like the previous model.)

Tips for Using "Resemblance" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Think about what you're comparing and why you're pointing out the similarity.
  • Use "to resemble" as a verb: When describing something becoming similar, "resemble" is the more natural choice.
  • Don't overuse it: While a useful word, it can sound a bit formal.

Resources for Further Exploration:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific type of resemblance (e.g., character resemblance)?
  • Help you practice using "resemblance" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word resemblance

Practice with vocabulary resemblance

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The ancient manuscript bore a striking ___________ to later works, suggesting a continuous academic tradition.
  2. Despite their genetic closeness, the two species showed little physical ___________ to each other in adulthood.
  3. The architect drew a clear ___________ between the city's infrastructure and the human circulatory system in her presentation.
  4. For the scientific study, establishing the ___________ of the two treatment groups was crucial to ensure valid comparisons.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words can describe a close similarity between two concepts? a) contrast b) divergence c) resemblance d) analogy e) disparity

  2. The company's new branding bears a strong ___________ to its main competitor, raising concerns about intellectual property. a) distinction b) resemblance c) variance d) opposition

  3. To argue that a historical event shared significant characteristics with contemporary issues, one might highlight its: a) uniqueness b) similarity c) resemblance d) parallel e) divergence

  4. The consultant emphasized the crucial ___________ in operational efficiency between the two departments, which required different improvement strategies. a) disparity b) difference c) uniformity d) harmony

  5. When designing the new prototype, engineers sought a high degree of ___________ between the physical model and the digital simulation. a) divergence b) congruence c) asymmetry d) discord

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her management style is almost identical to that of her former supervisor, which is why she was chosen for the role. Rewrite: Her management style bears a striking ___________ to that of her former supervisor, which is why she was chosen for the role.

  2. Original: The detailed architectural blueprints of the new building looked very similar to the ones from the historical city hall. Rewrite: The detailed architectural blueprints of the new building showed a clear ___________ to the ones from the historical city hall.

  3. Original: Despite their different philosophical foundations, the two competing theories exhibited many points of agreement. Rewrite: Despite their different philosophical foundations, the two competing theories exhibited many points of ___________.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. resemblance
  2. resemblance
  3. parallel
  4. equivalence

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) resemblance, d) analogy
  2. b) resemblance
  3. b) similarity, c) resemblance, d) parallel
  4. a) disparity, b) difference
  5. b) congruence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her management style bears a striking resemblance to that of her former supervisor, which is why she was chosen for the role.
  2. The detailed architectural blueprints of the new building showed a clear resemblance to the ones from the historical city hall.
  3. Despite their different philosophical foundations, the two competing theories exhibited many points of correspondence.

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