Seeming

ˈsiːmɪŋ

adjectivemedium📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Appearing to be something, but not certainly so; giving the impression of being.

ˈsiːmɪŋ

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Appearing to be something, though not necessarily the reality.

Her calm demeanor was just a seeming of control; inside she was anxious.

💡 Simply: When something *seems* a certain way, it's how it looks or feels at first, even if it might be different underneath, like a magic trick!

👶 For kids: When something *seems* like it's one thing, but maybe it's not really.

More Examples

2

The seeming simplicity of the puzzle actually masked a very complex solution.

3

The seeming endless rain finally stopped, and the sun came out.

How It's Used

General

"Despite the seeming chaos, the project was well-organized."

Legal

"The seemingly innocent act concealed a deeper motive."

2

The impression given or the act of appearing in a particular way.

ˈsiːmɪŋ

nounneutralAdvanced
General

The act of giving an impression.

Her lack of response gave the seeming of disinterest.

💡 Simply: When we talk about the 'seeming' of something, we are talking about what it looks or feels like.

👶 For kids: The way something seems.

More Examples

2

The seeming of her anger was a bit overstated.

3

The seeming of confidence helped the student to do better on the test.

How It's Used

Literary

"The story was fraught with the seeming of impending doom."

Tip:Think of the 'seeming' as the outward show of something.

Idioms & expressions

seemingly harmless

Appearing to be harmless but potentially dangerous.

"The seemingly harmless game had a hidden addictive quality."

From Middle English *semynge*, present participle of *semen* ('to seem'), from Old English *sēman* ('to appear, seem').

The word 'seeming' has existed since Middle English times and was particularly common in literature to describe perceptions and appearances.

Memory tip

Think of a mask; what someone's *seeming* to be might hide what they truly are.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to appear, seem"

seeming agreementseeming contradictionseeming simplicityseeming calmseeming innocent

Common misspellings

seeminggseemingly

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written