Seem Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
seem
[siหm ]
Definitions
general
Give the impression of being something or having a particular quality.
Synonyms
appear, come across as, look, sound.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| seem |
Use 'seem' when you want to indicate a general impression or feeling about something. It's more commonly used in spoken or casual written language.
|
| appear |
Use 'appear' in more formal contexts. It can also indicate a physical appearance or a sudden presence.
|
| look |
Use 'look' to describe physical appearance or when something visually gives a certain impression.
|
| sound |
Use 'sound' when talking about the impression created by something heard, usually in spoken language.
|
| come across as |
Use 'come across as' when talking about the impression one gives to others, often regarding personality or behavior.
|
Examples of usage
- She seemed happy to see me.
- It seems like a good idea.
opinion
Used to express uncertainty or probability.
Synonyms
appear, give the impression of, look like.
Examples of usage
- It seems that he is late.
- She seems to be enjoying herself.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often judge situations based on first impressions, which can be influenced by how things seem rather than how they are.
- Cognitive biases, like the halo effect, show that if something seems good in one aspect, we might assume itโs good in others too.
Literature
- The concept of appearance versus reality is a recurring theme in literature, often exploring how things seem versus their true nature.
- Shakespeareโs work often plays with this idea, where a character's actions may seem one way, but their true intentions are hidden.
Pop Culture
- In TV shows and movies, characters often face dilemmas about what seems right versus what is actually right, creating moral tension.
- The phrase 'Don't judge a book by its cover' conveys the message that appearances can be misleading.
Social Interaction
- In conversations, how someone seems can affect how we interact with them, as we often react based on perceived emotions.
- Body language plays a crucial role; how a person acts can seem more significant than their words.
Origin of 'seem'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'seoman', which meant 'to appear' or 'to seem'.
- Its roots can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'seumรด', highlighting its long history in the English language.
The word 'seem' originated from the Old Norse word 'sลma', meaning 'to honor'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey the sense of appearance or likelihood. It has been used in English since the Middle Ages, adapting to express uncertainty or probability in addition to appearance.