semblance
含义: An outward appearance or form of something, especially when the reality is different; a show or pretence of a particular quality.
Semblance typically implies that the appearance is superficial or even deceptive — that what is shown does not match what lies beneath. It almost always appears in the pattern 'a semblance of' followed by an abstract noun: order, normality, control, dignity. The word suggests effort to maintain appearances in difficult circumstances. It is common in literary, journalistic, and political writing. Collocations include 'some semblance of,' 'any semblance of,' and 'restore a semblance of.'
例句
- The ceasefire restored some semblance of normality to the battered city. 停火协议为这座饱受战火摧残的城市恢复了些许正常的表象。El alto el fuego devolvió cierta apariencia de normalidad a la castigada ciudad.停戦により、その荒廃した都市にいくらかの正常さの外観が戻った。휴전으로 그 황폐한 도시에 어느 정도의 정상적인 외관이 회복되었다.
- She struggled to maintain a semblance of composure during the cross-examination. 在交叉询问中,她竭力维持着表面的镇定。Se esforzó por mantener una apariencia de compostura durante el interrogatorio.彼女は反対尋問の間、冷静さの体裁を保とうと必死であった。그녀는 반대 심문 중에 침착함의 외관을 유지하려고 안간힘을 썼다.
- The hastily convened meeting bore only a faint semblance of democratic process. 仓促召开的会议仅有民主程序的微弱外表。La reunión convocada a toda prisa apenas guardaba una vaga apariencia de proceso democrático.急遽招集されたその会議は、民主的手続きのかすかな外見を備えているにすぎなかった。급하게 소집된 그 회의는 민주적 절차의 희미한 외관만을 갖추고 있을 뿐이었다.
发音
用法指南
语境: literary, journalism, political
语气: neutral
起源与历史
From Old French semblance (likeness, appearance), from sembler (to seem, appear), from Latin simulāre (to make like, imitate), from similis (like). Entered English in the 13th century.
文化背景
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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