Main Entry: sem·blance

Pronunciation: \ˈsem-blən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sembler to be like, seem — more at resemble

Date: 14th century

1 a : outward and often specious appearance or show : form <wrapped in a semblance of composure — Harry Hervey> b : modicum <has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people — Bayard Rustin>
2 : aspect, countenance
3 a : a phantasmal form : apparition b : image, likeness
4 : actual or apparent resemblance <her story bears some semblance to the truth>