Appearance

Definition

Appearance is a noun that refers to the way something looks or seems, especially in terms of physical characteristics or outward form. It can also mean an act of becoming visible or being seen in a particular place or context.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈpɪrəns/
• Respelling: uh-PEER-uhns

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈpɪərəns/
• Respelling: uh-PEER-uhns

Etymology

The word "appearance" originates from the Latin "apparentia," meaning "visibility" or "state of being seen," derived from "apparere," meaning "to appear." It entered Middle English in the 14th century, initially referring to becoming visible or manifest.

Derivatives

• Appear (verb)
• Apparent (adjective)
• Apparently (adverb)
• Apparition (noun)
• Reappearance (noun)

Synonyms

• Look
• Aspect
• Visage

Antonyms

• Disappearance
• Absence
• Invisibility

Usage

The noun "appearance" is commonly used to describe how something seems or looks, often referring to external or superficial aspects. For example, "Her appearance was striking," or "The sudden appearance of a comet amazed onlookers."

Related Terms

• Presence: The state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present.
• Manifestation: An indication of the existence or presence of something.
• Outward: Relating to the external appearance of something.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The way someone or something looks or seems: Refers to the external or visible form of a person or object.
  • Example: "The flowers improved the overall appearance of the room."
• An act of becoming visible or appearing in public: Indicates the event of being seen in a specific place or context.
  • Example: "The artist made a rare public appearance at the gallery."