What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guise
Example
He appeared in the guise of a friendly neighbor, but he was actually a spy. [guise: noun]
Example
She tried to maintain the guise of confidence, even though she was nervous. [guise: noun]
semblance
Example
The old building still had some semblance of its former grandeur. [semblance: noun]
Example
There was a semblance of order in the chaotic classroom. [semblance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Semblance is more commonly used than guise in everyday language. Semblance is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while guise is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guise and semblance?
Both guise and semblance are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, semblance may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
