Definition of the word resemble

The origin of the word "resemble" can be traced back to Middle English, specifically the 1300s. At that time, the term "remenbele" was used, which was ultimately derived from the Old English word "hrēman," meaning "remainder," "remnant," or "reminder." The Middle English verb "remenbele" was inflected for form, which caused it to undergo various changes in sound. These alterations resulted in the eventual separation of the prefix "re-" from the root "menbele." By the 1500s, the word had evolved into "reshambles," which was spelled with an "sh" in place of the original "h." In the following centuries, the spelling remained relatively consistent, with the modern form "resemble" appearing in the early 1800s. Overall, the meaning of the word has remained largely consistent throughout its history, with "resemble" referring to the quality of being similar or identical to something else. The root "menbele," meaning "reminder," may seem like an odd origin for such a word, but it actually speaks to the idea of something serving as a visual or sensory reminder of another, more familiar thing. By emphasizing similarities, "resemble" similarly serves as a reminder, helping us to draw connections and make sense of the world around us.