ENGLISH
REFERENCE

appears

v.
A2 Elementary US //əˈpɪɹz// UK //ɐpˈiəz// ap·pears

v. to seem like something is true based on what you see. It can also mean to show up or become visible in a place.

v. to give the impression of being or doing something; to become visible or come into sight. Often functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective or an infinitive.


SIMPLE

The sun appears from behind the clouds.

CONTEXTUAL

The new software update appears to be working correctly after the initial bugs were fixed.

COMPLEX

Although the witness appears confident on the stand, the defense attorney intends to challenge the consistency of his previous statements during cross-examination.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

When used to mean 'seem', it is a linking verb and is followed by an adjective or a 'to' infinitive. It is generally intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Pitfall

It appears me that he is tiredIt appears to me that he is tiredWhen expressing an opinion to a person, 'appears' requires the preposition 'to' before the indirect object.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference