Resemble a fish out of water

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 75 views

Introduction

In the English language, there are numerous words that convey different meanings and connotations. One such word is "resemble," which is often used to describe the similarity between two or more things. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of "resemble," its usage, and provide examples to help you understand its context.

Definition and Meaning

Resemble is a verb that means to have a physical or superficial similarity with someone or something. It is often used to describe the likeness between two or more things, such as a person's appearance, a place, or an object. The word "resemble" is derived from the Latin word "resimilis," which means "like" or "similar."

Synonyms and Antonyms

Some synonyms of "resemble" include:

Look like
Bear a resemblance to
Have a likeness to
Be similar to

On the other hand, some antonyms of "resemble" include:

Differ from
Be unlike
Have no resemblance to
Be distinct from

Usage and Examples

Resemble is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, including:

Physical appearance: "She resembles her mother in terms of her facial features."
Behavior: "He resembles his father in terms of his sense of humor."
Places: "The new hotel resembles the old one in terms of its architecture."
Objects: "The new smartphone resembles the old one in terms of its design."

Idiomatic Expressions

Some idiomatic expressions that use the word "resemble" include:

Resemble the devil: to be very similar to someone or something that is considered evil or unpleasant.
Resemble a ghost: to be very pale or thin, often due to illness or lack of sleep.
Resemble a fish out of water: to be in a situation that is unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

Grammar and Punctuation

When using the word "resemble," it is essential to follow the correct grammar and punctuation rules. Here are some guidelines:

Verb tense: "Resemble" is a verb that can be used in the present, past, or future tense. For example:
- Present tense: "She resembles her mother."
- Past tense: "She resembled her mother."
- Future tense: "She will resemble her mother."
Subject-verb agreement: The subject and verb must agree in number. For example:
- Singular subject: "The new hotel resembles the old one."
- Plural subject: "The new hotels resemble the old ones."
Punctuation: When using "resemble" in a sentence, it is essential to use the correct punctuation marks. For example:
- Comma: "She resembles her mother, who is a famous actress."
- Period: "She resembles her mother. She has her mother's facial features."

Conclusion

In conclusion, "resemble" is a versatile word that can be used to describe the similarity between two or more things. Its meaning and usage can vary depending on the context, and it is essential to follow the correct grammar and punctuation rules. By understanding the meaning of "resemble," you can improve your language skills and communicate more effectively with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "look like"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "look like" is a more informal and conversational word.

Q: Can "resemble" be used in the past tense?

A: Yes, "resemble" can be used in the past tense. For example: "She resembled her mother when she was younger."

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "be similar to"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "be similar to" is a more informal and conversational word.

Additional Resources

For more information on the word "resemble," you can consult the following resources:

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: A comprehensive dictionary that provides definitions, synonyms, and antonyms for the word "resemble."
Oxford English Dictionary: A comprehensive dictionary that provides definitions, synonyms, and antonyms for the word "resemble."
Grammarly Handbook: A comprehensive guide that provides grammar and punctuation rules for the word "resemble."

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the meaning and usage of the word "resemble." However, we understand that there may be many more questions and doubts that you may have about this word. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about "resemble" and provide you with clear and concise answers.

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "look like"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "look like" is a more informal and conversational word. For example:

Resemble: "She resembles her mother in terms of her facial features." (This sentence is more formal and literary.)
Look like: "He looks like his father." (This sentence is more informal and conversational.)

Q: Can "resemble" be used in the past tense?

A: Yes, "resemble" can be used in the past tense. For example:

Present tense: "She resembles her mother."
Past tense: "She resembled her mother when she was younger."
Future tense: "She will resemble her mother when she grows up."

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "be similar to"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "be similar to" is a more informal and conversational word. For example:

Resemble: "The new hotel resembles the old one in terms of its architecture." (This sentence is more formal and literary.)
Be similar to: "The new hotel is similar to the old one." (This sentence is more informal and conversational.)

Q: Can "resemble" be used in a sentence with a plural subject?

A: Yes, "resemble" can be used in a sentence with a plural subject. For example:

Singular subject: "The new hotel resembles the old one."
Plural subject: "The new hotels resemble the old ones."

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "have a resemblance to"?

A: While both phrases can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more concise and direct word, whereas "have a resemblance to" is a more formal and literary phrase. For example:

Resemble: "She resembles her mother."
Have a resemblance to: "She has a resemblance to her mother."

Q: Can "resemble" be used in a sentence with a negative connotation?

A: Yes, "resemble" can be used in a sentence with a negative connotation. For example:

Positive connotation: "She resembles her mother in terms of her kindness."
Negative connotation: "He resembles his father in terms of his temper."

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "be like"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "be like" is a more informal and conversational word. For example:

Resemble: "The new hotel resembles the old one in terms of its architecture." (This sentence is more formal and literary.)
Be like: "The new hotel is like the old one." (This sentence is more informal and conversational.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope that this article has helped to address some of the most frequently asked questions about the word "resemble." Whether you are a native English speaker or a non-native English speaker, understanding the meaning and usage of this word can help you to communicate more effectively with others.

Additional Resources

For more information on the word "resemble," you can consult the following resources:

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: A comprehensive dictionary that provides definitions, synonyms, and antonyms for the word "resemble."
Oxford English Dictionary: A comprehensive dictionary that provides definitions, synonyms, and antonyms for the word "resemble."
Grammarly Handbook: A comprehensive guide that provides grammar and punctuation rules for the word "resemble."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "look like"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "look like" is a more informal and conversational word.

Q: Can "resemble" be used in the past tense?

A: Yes, "resemble" can be used in the past tense.

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "be similar to"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "be similar to" is a more informal and conversational word.

Q: Can "resemble" be used in a sentence with a plural subject?

A: Yes, "resemble" can be used in a sentence with a plural subject.

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "have a resemblance to"?

A: While both phrases can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more concise and direct word, whereas "have a resemblance to" is a more formal and literary phrase.

Q: Can "resemble" be used in a sentence with a negative connotation?

A: Yes, "resemble" can be used in a sentence with a negative connotation.

Q: What is the difference between "resemble" and "be like"?

A: While both words can be used to describe similarity, "resemble" is a more formal and literary word, whereas "be like" is a more informal and conversational word.