resembled

“Resembled” is the simple past and past participle of “resemble,” a verb meaning to look, appear, or seem like someone or something. The comparison may be physical, as when a person resembles a relative, or figurative, as when a fictional situation resembles one from history. It is a common, neutral word used in both formal writing and everyday speech. Although it ordinarily suggests similarity rather than identity, “closely resembled” can indicate an exceptionally strong likeness. The word is especially useful when describing visual appearance, behaviour, style, or the character of something. For example, a newly restored building may resemble an earlier version, while a writer’s account may resemble a historical record. In general contexts, “was like” or “was similar to” can often replace it, though “resembled” gives a slightly more polished and descriptive tone.

Look or seem like someone or something. It is also the past participle of “resemble.”

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does resembled come from?

The word comes through Middle English from Old French resemble, meaning “to make like” or “to be like.” It ultimately derives from Latin similare, “to make similar,” which is based on similis, meaning “like” or “similar.” The same Latin root produced English cognates including “similar,” “simile,” and “assimilate.”

Related word forms

How resembled is actually used

This form serves as both the simple past and the past participle of “resemble.” It is neutral in register and can describe visual likeness, resemblance in character, or similarity to another example.

Easily confused with resembled

What's another word for resembled?

Words and phrases paired with resembled

Rhymes with resembled