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appearance

n.
US //əˈpɪɹəns// UK //ɐpˈiəɹəns// ap·pear·ance
  1. 1 the way something looks (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the way that someone or something looks on the outside.

    the outward physical look or aesthetic of a person or object.

    Example

    The hotel has a very modern appearance with lots of glass and steel.

    Example

    The architect was concerned that the building's external appearance would clash with the historic character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
  2. 2 coming into sight (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the moment when someone or something arrives or becomes visible.

    the act of coming into sight or becoming visible to the observer.

    Example

    The sudden appearance of a police car made the driver slow down.

    Example

    The unexpected appearance of the sun after a week of rain lifted the spirits of the entire village.
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  1. 3 public performance (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Theatre

    an act of performing or being seen in public, like on TV or at a concert.

    a scheduled instance of being present in a public capacity, such as a performance or a media engagement.

    Example

    The singer made a brief appearance on the morning talk show.

    Example

    The author's public appearance at the literary festival was cancelled due to unforeseen travel complications.
  2. 4 legal proceeding (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    the act of going to a court of law for a trial.

    the formal act of presenting oneself in a court of law as a party to a suit or as a witness.

    Example

    The defendant is required to make a court appearance next Tuesday.

    Example

    The lawyer advised his client that a personal appearance in court would be more persuasive than a written statement.
  3. 5 outward show vs reality (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Philosophy

    the way something seems to be, which might be different from how it really is.

    the outward show or deceptive outward look of something, often contrasted with its true nature or essence.

    Example

    Despite his calm appearance, he was actually very nervous about the news.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that we must distinguish between mere appearance and the underlying reality of the physical world.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French apparence, from Latin apparentia, from appareo. Morphologically appear + -ance. Doublet of apparence and apparency. Displaced native Old English hīew (“the way something looks or seems”) and ætīewednes (“act of appearing or coming into view”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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