Resemble Meaning
Resemble Definition & Usage
To look like or be similar to someone or something in appearance, qualities, or characteristics.
Examples
- "She resembles her mother in both looks and personality."
- "The painting resembles the style of the great Impressionists."
- "His mannerisms strongly resemble those of his grandfather."
- "That new movie plot resembles one I saw last year."
- "The house resembles the one I grew up in, with similar architecture."
To suggest a likeness or resemblance in abstract qualities or actions.
Examples
- "Her ideas on education resemble those of John Dewey, focusing on practical learning."
- "The two political leaders' rhetoric resembles each other in many ways."
- "The design philosophy of the new gadget resembles that of the earlier model, albeit more streamlined."
- "The rhythm of this song resembles the music from the 70s."
- "His argument resembles an earlier one I read in a philosophy textbook."
Cultural Context
The verb 'resemble' has been in use since Middle English and is derived from Old French 'resemblier'. It has always conveyed a sense of likeness between two entities, usually in terms of appearance or characteristics. While it is commonly used to describe visual similarity, 'resemble' has also come to include abstract similarities such as behaviors, ideas, or characteristics.
The Grandfather's Portrait
Story
The Grandfather's Portrait
One sunny afternoon, Clara sat beside her grandfather's portrait, gazing at the calm, wise eyes of the man in the frame. As she stared at the face, she couldn't help but notice how much she resembled him. It wasn't just the sharpness of his features but the gentle curve of his smile, which she often saw reflected in her own. Her grandmother had always said that Clara's eyes resembled her grandfather's, and today, Clara felt a deep connection to the past through that simple, unspoken likeness. But it wasn't just the physical resemblance that struck her — Clara also noticed how her personality mirrored his. Like him, she was reserved in conversation but spoke thoughtfully when she had something meaningful to say. She felt as though she had inherited not just his looks but his quiet strength and wisdom. That afternoon, as Clara stood in front of the portrait, she marveled at how the older generation seemed to live on in her, not just in memory, but in every thoughtful gesture and quiet observation she made. Perhaps she resembled him more than she realized — not just in how she looked but in the way she carried herself, too.
Related Words
