Appear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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appear
[əˈpɪər ]
Definitions
in a social situation
To come into sight; to become visible or noticeable. To make a public appearance, especially as a performer or speaker. To seem or give the impression of being. To be published or issued.
Synonyms
emerge, manifest, materialize, show up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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appear |
Used to describe something coming into view or becoming visible. It can also mean becoming noticeable or evident.
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emerge |
Often used when something comes out from being hidden or becomes known after being concealed. It can also imply a gradual process.
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show up |
Informal term for arriving at a place or becoming noticeable, often unexpectedly or in an unplanned way.
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materialize |
Implies that something that was expected or imagined becomes real or actual. It may carry a sense of surprise or magical appearance.
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manifest |
Used when something becomes clear or obvious through signs or actions. It often has a formal or somewhat abstract tone.
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Examples of usage
- He appeared suddenly from around the corner.
- She will appear on stage at the concert tonight.
- The situation appears to be under control.
- The new edition of the book will appear next month.
in court
To come before the public; to be a party to a legal action. To show oneself in court as a party or counsel. To be present in court as a witness or one charged with a crime.
Synonyms
attend, present, show, turn up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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appear |
Used when discussing someone's involvement in an event or role, often formal.
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show |
Used when someone makes an appearance, often informally or unexpectedly.
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present |
Used when someone is physically in a place, often in a formal situation.
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turn up |
Used informally when someone arrives or makes an appearance, often unexpectedly or without prior notice.
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attend |
Used when someone goes to an event, meeting, or gathering.
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Examples of usage
- The defendant will appear before the judge tomorrow.
- The lawyer will appear on behalf of the plaintiff.
- The witness appeared in court to testify.
in a supernatural sense
The act or appearance of something supernatural; a ghostly figure or spirit. The manifestation or materialization of a ghost or other supernatural being.
Synonyms
apparition, phantom, specter, spirit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
appear |
Used when something comes into view or becomes noticeable, often suddenly.
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apparition |
Refers to a ghostly or supernatural appearance, usually sudden and surprising.
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specter |
Often means a ghost, especially one that is seen as ominous or menacing. It can also symbolize a looming threat or fear.
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phantom |
Denotes something that is not really there, often related to ghosts or hallucinations. Can also imply the illusionary nature of something.
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spirit |
Used to describe a non-physical entity like a ghost, often in a more general or neutral way. It can also refer to the soul or essence of a person or thing.
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Examples of usage
- The ghostly appear scared the villagers.
- They were terrified by the appear of the spirit in the old house.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- The way something appears can significantly affect how people feel or react to it – known as the 'halo effect.'
- Our brains often make quick judgments based on appearances, influencing decisions before we have the facts.
- Influence of first impressions highlights the importance of how people appear during introductions.
Art
- In visual arts, the way subjects appear can evoke different emotions, like joy or sadness, through color and form.
- Artists, like surrealists, often manipulated appearances to challenge reality and perceptions.
- The concept of 'appearance vs. reality' is a significant theme in literature and paintings.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often have dramatic appearances to signify important changes in their journey.
- Television show characters might appear unexpectedly to add suspense, keeping audiences engaged.
- The phrase 'appearance is everything' reflects societal values placed on how individuals present themselves in media.
Science
- In astronomy, the appearance of stars can change due to atmospheric conditions, causing twinkling.
- The phenomenon of light bending when it passes through different mediums can affect how things appear.
- Mirages are optical illusions where distant objects appear distorted or shifted due to temperature gradients in the air.
Origin of 'appear'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'apparentiare,' meaning 'to make visible or manifest.'
- It entered Middle English in the 14th century from the Old French 'aparir.'
- Over time, its meaning evolved to encapsulate both physical presence and visibility in other senses.
The word 'appear' originated from the Latin word 'apparere', which means 'to come into sight, make an appearance'. The term has been used in the English language since the 13th century. Over time, 'appear' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to visibility, presence, and manifestation, both in physical and metaphorical contexts. It is a common word used in everyday language to describe the act of becoming visible or being present in a certain situation.
See also: apparent, apparition, appearance, appearances, appearing, disappear, disappearance, disappeared, disappearing, reappear, reappearance.
Word Frequency Rank
At #543 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.
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- 540 added
- 541 particularly
- 542 included
- 543 appear
- 544 stock
- 545 determined
- 546 anything
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