Seem: meaning, definitions and examples
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seem
[siːm ]
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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 'seumô', highlighting its long history in the English language.
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 it’s 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.
- Shakespeare’s 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.
Translations
Translations of the word "seem" in other languages:
🇵🇹 parecer
🇮🇳 लगना
🇩🇪 scheinen
🇮🇩 tampak
🇺🇦 здаватися
🇵🇱 wydawać się
🇯🇵 見える (mieru)
🇫🇷 sembler
🇪🇸 parecer
🇹🇷 görünmek
🇰🇷 보이다 (boida)
🇸🇦 يبدو (yabdu)
🇨🇿 zdát se
🇸🇰 zdať sa
🇨🇳 似乎 (sìhū)
🇸🇮 zdeti se
🇮🇸 virðast
🇰🇿 секілді болу
🇬🇪 ჩანს (chans)
🇦🇿 görünmək
🇲🇽 parecer