Semblent

Semblent is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French verb sembler, which means to appear or to seem. It is used with a plural subject, such as ils or elles, to express an impression or appearance. For example, ils semblent fatigués means “they seem tired.”

In French, the verb sembler is also employed in constructions that introduce subordinate clauses with il semble que, meaning “it seems that.” This broader use is familiar in both everyday speech and formal writing, where the expression signals a perception rather than a confirmed fact.

Etymology and related terms reflect the same semantic field. Semblent comes from the verb sembler, which is linked to the notion of appearance or semblance. English equivalents in this sense include semblance, resemble, and the phrase it seems.

In English-language usage, semblent is rare outside of direct French quotation, linguistic discussion, or studies of French grammar. When translating or explaining French sentences, it is usually rendered as “they seem” rather than kept as a distinct English term.

See also: semblance, resemble, il semble.