Appear

/əˈpɪr/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To come into sight; to become visible.

/əˈpɪr/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To become visible

The magician appeared from thin air.

💡 Simply: To show up; to be seen.

More Examples

2

A new problem appeared after we solved the first one.

How It's Used

General

"The sun appeared over the horizon."

Legal

"The defendant appeared in court."

2

To seem to be; to give the impression of being.

/əˈpɪr/

verbneutralIntermediate
Perception

To seem; to give the impression of being

She appeared confident during the interview.

💡 Simply: To look like; to seem.

More Examples

2

The situation appeared dire.

How It's Used

General

"He appeared tired after the long journey."

Tip:Think of 'appearing' as putting on an act or facade.

Idioms & expressions

to appear in person

To be present physically.

"Instead of calling, they decided to appear in person."

From Old French *apereir, from Latin apparēre "to become visible, appear", from ad- "to" + parēre "to be visible, appear".

The word 'appear' has been used consistently throughout history to describe both becoming visible and seeming to be something.

Memory tip

Think of 'pear' - a fruit that you can see.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"to become visible"

appear suddenlyappear to beappear in courtmake an appearance

Common misspellings

apearapeearapper

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written