Meaning
appearance, likeness
- appearance, looks (usually plural)
- semblance, likeness
In a sentence
Il dio apparve sotto le sembianze di un vecchio saggio.
The god appeared in the likeness of a wise old man.
Quell'ombra ha le sembianze di una figura umana.
That shadow has the appearance of a human figure.
Non giudicare dalle sembianze, parla con lei.
Don't judge by appearances, talk to her.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| sembianza | feminine · singular |
| sembianze | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- More literary and formal than aspetto or apparenza; uncommon in everyday conversation.
- Often appears in the fixed phrase in sembianze di, meaning 'in the guise/form of.'
- Usually singular; plural sembianze is used mainly in elevated style for 'features' or 'looks.'