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