Appearance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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appearance
[əˈpɪərəns ]
Definitions
physical aspect
The way that someone or something looks, especially a person's physical appearance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| appearance |
Commonly used to describe how someone or something looks to others, often focusing on physical details or the initial impression.
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| look |
Informally used to describe the visual characteristics of someone or something, often focusing on style or fashion.
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| aspect |
Refers to a particular part or feature of something, often used in more analytical or detailed discussions.
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| presence |
Describes the way someone carries themselves or the impression they give in a particular environment, often focusing on charisma or influence.
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Examples of usage
- She was tall and elegant in appearance.
- His appearance at the party surprised everyone.
- The appearance of the new model caused a lot of excitement.
public performance
A public performance or display.
Synonyms
display, performance, showing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| appearance |
Used when talking about the act of being present somewhere or how someone looks.
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| performance |
Used when speaking about the act of performing, often in entertainment or work contexts.
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| showing |
Used when referring to the act of someone or something being presented, often in a public setting.
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| display |
Used when referring to the act of showing something for people to look at.
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Examples of usage
- The band made an appearance at the music festival.
- She made a special appearance on the TV show.
- The appearance of the actor drew a large crowd.
pretending to be someone else
The act of pretending to be someone or something else.
Synonyms
disguise, impersonation, pretense.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| appearance |
Use when referring to someone's physical look or the way something seems to be.
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| impersonation |
Use when someone is pretending to be another person, typically for entertainment or fraudulent purposes. Often has a slightly negative connotation.
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| disguise |
Use when referring to the act of changing one's appearance to hide identity, often used in contexts involving deception.
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| pretense |
Use when referring to a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions. Often used in negative situations.
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Examples of usage
- Her appearance as a famous celebrity was convincing.
- He made a brief appearance as a detective in the movie.
- The appearance of the villain was unexpected.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- First impressions can be formed in just seconds and are often based on physical appearance.
- Research shows that people often make assumptions about someone's traits based on their appearance, which can lead to biases.
- The halo effect suggests that we tend to associate positive traits with people who are attractive.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, appearance can significantly impact social interactions and opportunities in areas like work and relationships.
- Various art forms, such as painting and fashion design, explore and challenge ideas of beauty and appearance.
- Cultural standards of appearance can vary widely, reflecting societal values and norms.
Pop Culture
- Television shows often focus on the transformative power of appearance, with makeover shows highlighting the impact of style changes.
- Many songs and movies address themes of appearance, exploring both its superficial aspects and deeper meanings.
- Social media platforms have sparked discussions on authenticity versus curated appearance, influencing how people present themselves.
Science
- From a biological standpoint, appearance can indicate health and genetic fitness, influencing mate selection in many species.
- Studies in optics explain how appearance can change based on lighting and angles, affecting our perception.
- The field of cosmetic science explores how various products can modify physical appearance and the implications it has on self-esteem.
Origin of 'appearance'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'apparere', meaning 'to come forth' or 'to be visible'.
- In Old French, it was 'aparence', keeping the meaning related to visibility and presence.
- The concept of appearance has evolved, influencing discussions around beauty and self-presentation.
The word 'appearance' originated from the Old French word 'aparance', which came from the Latin word 'apparentia'. The concept of appearance has been of significant interest to philosophers, psychologists, and artists throughout history, reflecting the importance of visual perception and aesthetics in human experience.
See also: apparent, apparition, appear, appearances, appearing, disappear, disappearance, disappeared, disappearing, reappear, reappearance.