English Reference
adjective

apparent

adj.
US /əˈpɛɹənt/ UK /ɐpˈæɹənt/ ap·par·ent

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    easy to see or understand clearly.

    manifest to the understanding; evident or obvious through observation.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The structural flaws in the bridge became apparent only after the heavy winter rains caused the foundation to shift slightly.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    The apparent success of the project hid many serious problems.

    In context

    Despite the apparent calm in the boardroom, the directors were deeply divided over the proposed merger and its long-term implications.

    seemingostensiblesuperficial
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    able to be seen by the eyes.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    visibleperceptible

Usage apparent benefit · apparent contradiction · apparent difference

Green, meanwhile, stewed over his apparent failure, wondering what he’d done wrong.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

And nowhere was this more apparent than the final challenge for the Artemis crew - their return to Earth.

BBC News· 11 Apr 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin appārēns
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated