# seeming

/ˈsimɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈiːmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seeming
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. appearing to be true

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

appearing to be real or true, especially when the reality is actually different.

For teachers: appearing to be a certain way, often used to imply a contrast between outward appearance and underlying reality.

- Despite their seeming friendship, the two colleagues actually disliked each other.
- The seeming simplicity of the poem masks a complex structure of metaphors that only becomes clear upon a third reading.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 2. outward appearance

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the way something looks on the outside, which might hide the truth.

For teachers: the outward appearance or surface presentation of something, often distinguished from its essence.

- He was a man who cared more for seemings than for the truth.
- In the world of high-stakes diplomacy, seemings are often treated with as much gravity as the facts themselves.

Usage: Often used in the plural form 'seemings' in literary contexts.

### 3. opinion or judgement

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a person's opinion or how they understand a situation.

For teachers: an individual's apprehension, judgement, or personal opinion regarding a matter.

- In my seeming, the plan is likely to fail.
- The scholar argued that, in his seeming, the ancient text had been misinterpreted for centuries.

Teaching tip: This sense is archaic; modern speakers should use 'opinion' or 'judgement' instead.

## Examples

- The seeming success of the plan hid many deep problems.
- Despite their seeming friendship, the two colleagues were actually fierce rivals for the promotion.
- The seeming simplicity of the poem's structure belies a profound philosophical inquiry into the nature of time and memory.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.