semblable: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Very low frequency in modern usage)Formal, literary, archaic, or specialized (e.g., philosophy, law)
Quick answer
What does “semblable” mean?
Similar or alike in appearance or character.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Similar or alike in appearance or character; having resemblance.
Used to describe things that bear comparison or share qualities, often in formal or literary contexts. Can refer to people, objects, or abstract concepts that are analogous or comparable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties. Slight historical preference in British texts due to French influence.
Connotations
Conveys a formal, deliberate, or archaic tone. May sound pretentious if used in casual conversation.
Frequency
Extremely low in both corpora. More likely to be encountered in literary analysis or translations of French philosophy (e.g., discussing 'le semblable').
Grammar
How to Use “semblable” in a Sentence
be semblable to + NPfind + NP + semblableVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “semblable” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The two portraits were judged semblable in every significant detail.
American English
- No other nation has developed a political system semblable to theirs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Occasionally in literary criticism, philosophy (e.g., discussing mimesis), or legal history.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely confuse listeners.
Technical
Rarely in taxonomy or comparative studies to denote close resemblance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “semblable”
- Using it in casual speech. Incorrect part-of-speech (e.g., trying to use as a noun: 'a semblable'). Mispronunciation: /sɛmˈbleɪbəl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or highly formal. 'Similar' or 'alike' are the standard modern choices.
In contemporary English, almost never. Historically, it could mean 'a counterpart' or 'someone like oneself', but this usage is obsolete.
It entered Middle English from Old French, derived from Latin 'similis' (like). It shares a root with 'resemble', 'assemble', and 'semblance'.
For most learners, no. It is more important to recognize it passively in older texts. Actively using it in speech or writing will sound unnatural.
Similar or alike in appearance or character.
Semblable is usually formal, literary, archaic, or specialized (e.g., philosophy, law) in register.
Semblable: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛmbləb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛmbləbəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common modern idioms. Historical: 'his semblable in form' (Shakespeare)]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ASSEMBLE' similar parts. SEMBLABLE sounds like 'seem alike-able' – things that seem able to be alike.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESEMBLANCE IS PROXIMITY ('close in form'), LIKENESS IS A BOND ('kindred spirit').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'semblable' be MOST appropriate?