appear
v.-
1 to become visible (v.) A2 Elementaryto start to be seen or to come into sight.
to come into sight or become visible to the eye. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
ExampleA small boat slowly appeared on the horizon as the fog cleared.
ExampleCracks began to appear in the building's foundation after the heavy rains, causing concern among the residents.
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2 to seem (v.) B1 Intermediateto give the impression of being something.
to give the impression of being or doing something; functions as a copular verb.
ExampleThe new student appears to be very shy and quiet.
ExampleThe results appear to be consistent with our initial hypothesis, though further testing is required to confirm the trend.
PitfallIt appears me that he is tired.It appears to me that he is tired.When 'appear' means 'seem', use 'to' before the person who has the impression.
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3 to perform or be published (v.) B1 Intermediateto be seen in a film, play, or book.
to come before the public in a performance, publication, or broadcast.
ExampleShe has appeared in several popular television shows this year.
ExampleThe author's latest essay will appear in the next issue of the literary journal.
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4 legal presence (v.) C1 Advanced Formal Lawto go to a court of law to answer a charge or give evidence.
to present oneself formally before an authority or tribunal, especially as a party to a legal case.
ExampleThe witness was ordered to appear in court on Tuesday morning.
ExampleThe defendant failed to appear before the magistrate, resulting in an immediate warrant for his arrest.
- attend
- present oneself
From Middle English apperen, aperen, borrowed from Old French aparoir (French apparoir), from Latin appāreō (“to appear”), from ad (“to”) + pāreō (“to come forth, to become visible”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European peh₂-s- (“watch, see”), s-present of peh₂- (“protect”).
- Verbappear
- Verbreappear