semblance — the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsembləns/
Example Sentences
- After the food fight, the cafeteria had lost all semblance of a civilized dining area.
- She managed to keep some semblance of composure despite finding a spider in her coffee.
- The meeting maintained only a bare semblance of professionalism.
semblance
NOUN[/ˈsembləns/]
the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different

The abandoned mansion still kept a semblance of its former grandeur.

False semblance meets real ambulance - no resemblance to competence!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'semblance' meaning 'appearance' or 'likeness,' derived from the verb 'sembler' (to seem or appear), which comes from Latin 'simulare' (to make like or pretend).
Breakdown
From Old French 'sembl-' (to seem/appear) + '-ance' (noun suffix indicating a state or quality) = semblance (appearance or outward form)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After the food fight, the cafeteria had lost all semblance of a civilized dining area.”
“She managed to keep some semblance of composure despite finding a spider in her coffee.”
“The meeting maintained only a bare semblance of professionalism.”
“His room bore no semblance to the neat space his mother had cleaned yesterday.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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