resemble
Definitions
To look like or be similar to someone or something
与……相似，像
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (intensive) + sembl (from Latin similis, 'be alike') = 'to be very alike.' It reached English through Old French resembler, which is why the Latin -sim- softened to -semb-.
Root sim still carries 56 more wordsWhy It Means This
resemble is the verb you reach for when one thing looks like another. Note its grammar: it is transitive and stative — X resembles Y directly, with no preposition, and it does not take the continuous (-ing) form. You say 'he resembles his father,' never 'he is resembling' or 'resembles to.'
Usage Guide
- Transitive, no preposition: resemble someone (not 'resemble to').
- Stative verb: avoid the continuous — say 'closely resembles,' not 'is resembling.'
- Strengthen with closely / strongly / vaguely.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The boy closely resembles his grandfather.
- 2.
The new building resembles a giant glass cube.
- 3.
Their proposal resembles ours in almost every detail.