What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
appearance
Example
Her appearance at the party was stunning. [appearance: noun]
Example
He appeared tired after a long day at work. [appeared: past tense verb]
semblance
Example
The painting bears a semblance to the original masterpiece. [semblance: noun]
Example
Despite the chaos, she managed to maintain some semblance of control. [semblance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Appearance is more commonly used than semblance in everyday language. Appearance is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe the way someone or something looks, while semblance is less common and is often used in specific situations where there is a need to describe a superficial or deceptive appearance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between appearance and semblance?
Both appearance and semblance can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, appearance is more commonly used and is considered more formal due to its versatility and neutral connotation.
