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apparent

adj.
US //əˈpɛɹənt// UK //ɐpˈæɹənt// ap·par·ent
  1. 1 obvious or clear (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    easy to see or understand clearly.

    manifest to the understanding; evident or obvious through observation.

    Example

    It became apparent that the plan was not going to work.

    Example

    The structural flaws in the bridge became apparent only after the heavy winter rains caused the foundation to shift slightly.
  2. 2 seeming but perhaps not real (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    appearing to be true, even if it is not actually true.

    appearing as such but not necessarily so; used to distinguish a surface impression from the actual reality.

    Example

    The apparent success of the project hid many serious problems.

    Example

    Despite the apparent calm in the boardroom, the directors were deeply divided over the proposed merger and its long-term implications.
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  1. 3 visible (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    able to be seen by the eyes.

    capable of being seen; visible to the eye or within sight.

    Example

    The tiny ship was apparent on the horizon only through binoculars.

    Example

    The subtle variations in the star's brightness were not apparent to the naked eye, requiring sophisticated sensors for detection.
Origin

From Middle English apparaunt, aparaunt, from Old French aparent, aparant, in turn from Latin appārēns, appārentis, present participle of appāreō.

Word family

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