semblance

[sem-bluhns]

noun

1. outward aspect or appearance.

   Synonyms: air, mien, exterior, aspect

2. an assumed or unreal appearance; show.

   Synonyms: seeming

3. the slightest appearance or trace.

4. a likeness, image, or copy.

5. a spectral appearance; apparition.

semblance

/ ˈsɛmbləns /

noun

1. outward appearance, esp without any inner substance or reality

2. a resemblance or copy

Word History and Origins

Origin of semblance¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Middle French, equivalent to sembl ( er ) to seem ( resemble ) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of semblance¹

C13: from Old French, from sembler to seem, from Latin simulāre to imitate, from similis like

Example Sentences

Both lack empathy, common sense, discretion and any semblance of decency.

From Salon

They’ve been inconsistent, struggling to stack clean performances or any semblance of an extended winning streak.

From Los Angeles Times

"India's current strategy, as far as I can discern, is to try and maintain a semblance of a working relationship with China to buy time," he told the BBC.

From BBC

Shah said there’s no semblance of dignity now.

From Los Angeles Times

A win over Kairat or a goal or a semblance of cohesion over two legs.

From BBC

Related Words

• pretense 
• veneer