Bear Resemblance – Meaning and Examples
You meet your friend’s baby cousin and say, “Wow, she **bears a strong resemblance** to her mom!” Or maybe you’re watching a movie and think the actor **bears a striking resemblance** to your teacher. The phrase bear resemblance is a polite, clear way to say two people or things look or seem alike. It’s common in speaking and writing—and now you’ll know exactly how to use it.
What Does “Bear Resemblance” Mean?
“Bear resemblance” means to look like or share visible similarities with someone or something else. Think of it like having shared features—eyes, voice, style, or even behavior. It’s not about being identical; it’s about noticeable likeness. We usually say “bear a resemblance” (with “a”) or “bear a strong/striking/close resemblance” for emphasis.
When to Use It
Use “bear resemblance” in everyday or descriptive situations like:
- Family traits: “He bears a strong resemblance to his grandfather.”
- Celebrities or look-alikes: “That singer bears a resemblance to Rihanna.”
- Objects or designs: “This model bears a close resemblance to last year’s version.”
- Writing or descriptions: “Her writing style bears a resemblance to Hemingway’s.”
It’s neutral to slightly formal—great for conversations, stories, essays, or polite observations. Avoid it in very casual slang (like texting friends: “She looks like her” is simpler).
Example Sentences
- The puppy bears a striking resemblance to the one we had as a kid.
- Does he bear any resemblance to his older brother?
- This painting bears a close resemblance to Van Gogh’s work.
- Her laugh bears a strong resemblance to her mother’s.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Is that your sister in the photo?”
Jamie: “Yes! Everyone says she bears a strong resemblance to me.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t forget the article: “He bears resemblance to her.” (Missing “a”!)
✅ Do say: “He bears **a** resemblance to her.” (Always include “a.”)
Practice Tip
Practice Tip
Look at two photos (family, celebrities, or products). Say: “This one bears a strong resemblance to that one.”
Final Note
“Bear resemblance” helps you describe similarities in a smooth, natural way—just like native speakers do. Now you can use it to talk about family, art, fashion, or even ideas. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll notice (and describe!) resemblances everywhere. You’re doing great—keep going!
