ENGLISH
REFERENCE

appear

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //əˈpɪɹ// UK //ɐpˈiə// ap·pear General-service

v. to start to be seen or to arrive at a place. You also use it to say how something seems to you.

v. to come into sight or become visible; to give the impression of being or doing something. Often functions as a linking verb when expressing a subjective impression.


SIMPLE

A small boat began to appear on the horizon.

CONTEXTUAL

The actor will appear on stage for the first time since his long break from the theater.

COMPLEX

Although the data appear to support the initial hypothesis, several researchers have pointed out that the sample size is too small to be conclusive.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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”).

Usage

When used as a linking verb to mean 'seem', it is often followed by an adjective or a 'to' infinitive.

Pitfall

He is appearing tiredHe appears tiredWhen used as a stative verb to mean 'seem', it is not usually used in the continuous (-ing) form.

Idioms1 entry

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