semblance

[ sem-bluhns ]
/ ˈsɛm bləns /

noun

outward aspect or appearance.
an assumed or unreal appearance; show.
the slightest appearance or trace.
a likeness, image, or copy.
a spectral appearance; apparition.

Origin of semblance

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

Example sentences from the Web for semblance

British Dictionary definitions for semblance

semblance
/ (ˈsɛmbləns) /

noun

outward appearance, esp without any inner substance or reality
a resemblance or copy

Word Origin for semblance

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