semblance

Definitions

sembl (be like, from similis) + -ance = 'a likeness.' But semblance has drifted toward the suspicious end: a semblance of order is the look of order, not necessarily the real thing.

Why It Means This

semblance is 'likeness' that hints at deception. It almost always appears in 'a semblance of X' or 'some semblance of X,' describing an appearance that may be hollow inside — a semblance of calm, a semblance of normality. The likeness is real; whether the substance is, is left open.

Common Collocations

• 1.semblance of normality正常的表象
• 2.semblance of order秩序的假象
• 3.maintain a semblance维持表面上的……
• 4.some semblance of些许……的迹象

Example Sentences

• 1.

  After the storm, the town slowly regained some semblance of normality.

• 2.

  He managed to keep a semblance of calm during the crisis.