semblable

1 of 2

adjective

sem·​bla·​ble ˈsem-blə-bəl 

1

: similar

2

: suitable

3

: apparent, seeming

semblably

ˈsem-blə-blē 

adverb

semblable

2 of 2

noun

1

archaic : something similar : like

2

: one that is like oneself : one's fellow

Examples of semblable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The classic modern revolutionary idea has been to abolish privilege and create a world of similar, and similarly situated, people (best expressed by the French word semblable). — Pierre Rosanvallon, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2015

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, "similar, analogous, identical, same," borrowed from Anglo-French, "similar, alike," from sembler "to resemble, seem, appear" + -able -able — more at semblance

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, noun derivative of semblable, adjective, "similar, analogous" — more at semblable entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1