Semblance
/ˈsɛm.bləns/noun
An outward appearance or apparent likeness, often one that may hide the truth.
Did you know?Its deepest root is the same ancient idea behind “resemble,” coming from Latin *similis* (“like, similar”), so the word has always been about surface likeness rather than essence.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
similis
“like, similar”
Late Latin
Latin
similantia
“likeness, appearance”
Old French
OF
semblance
“likeness, appearance”
14th Century
English
semblance
“outward appearance or likeness”
Modern English
English
semblance
“an outward or apparent form, especially one that may be deceptive”