resemble

[/rɪˈzɛmbəl/]
verb
parecer
1. to look like or have similar appearance to someone or something
She resembles her mother in many ways.
Ela se parece com a mãe em muitos aspectos.
2. to have characteristics or qualities that are similar to something else
This fabric resembles silk but it is actually synthetic.
Este tecido parece seda, mas na verdade é sintético.
3. to bear a likeness or similarity to
The new building design resembles classical architecture.
O design do novo prédio se assemelha à arquitetura clássica.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'parecer' is the everyday colloquial term for resemblance and is widely used in both spoken and casual written communication. The more formal 'assemelhar-se' is preferred in academic or literary contexts. Americans typically use 'resemble' in more formal or written contexts, whereas in casual speech they might say 'look like' instead.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
look likeappear likebe similar tobear resemblance totake after
Antonyms / Antônimos
differ fromcontrast withdiverge from

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
parecer
Most common and standard form used throughout Brazil
General Brazilian
assemelhar-se
More formal alternative, used in written Portuguese
Portugal
parecer
Also used in European Portuguese, though 'assemelhar-se' is more formal
Rio de Janeiro
parecer
Standard usage, same as general Brazilian

Related Words

resemblancesimilarlikenessappearancesimilaritycomparison

Related Idioms & Phrases

resemble like two peas in a pod
the spitting image of
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