seem

[ seem ]

verb (used without object)

1. to appear to be, feel, do, etc.:

   She seems better this morning.

2. to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc.:

   It seems to me that someone is calling.

3. to appear to exist:

   There seems no need to go now.

4. to appear to be true, probable, or evident:

   It seems likely to rain.

5. to give the outward appearance of being or to pretend to be:

   He only seems friendly because he wants you to like him.

seem

/ siːm /

verb

1. copula to appear to the mind or eye; look

   this seems nice

   the car seems to be running well

2. to give the impression of existing; appear to be

   there seems no need for all this nonsense

3. used to diminish the force of a following infinitive to be polite, more noncommittal, etc

   I can't seem to get through to you

Usage

See like 1

Derived Forms

• ˈseemer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of seem¹

First recorded before 1150–1200; Middle English seme, from Old Norse sœma “to befit, beseem,” derivative of sœmr “fitting, seemly”; akin to sōmi “honor”

Word History and Origins

Origin of seem¹

C12: perhaps from Old Norse soma to beseem, from sœmr befitting; related to Old English sēman to reconcile; see same

Synonym Study

Seem, appear, look refer to an outward aspect that may or may not be contrary to reality. Seem is applied to something that has an aspect of truth and probability: It seems warmer today. Appear suggests the giving of an impression that may be superficial or illusory: The house appears to be deserted. Look more vividly suggests the use of the eye (literally or figuratively) or the aspect as perceived by the eye: She looked very much frightened.

Example Sentences

"It seems almost impossible to have a consistent theory of gravity combined with quantum mechanics that does not have particles like the axion," Safdi said.

From Science Daily

“And to have this adult man that actually seemed interested in talking to me, it was intensely soothing. For the first time in my life, I felt just a little spark of hope.”

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, there seemed to be a higher concentration in the province of Ogliastra, a central mountainous region.

From Science Magazine

Well... the sharp-eyed among you may have noticed that in the latest photo Nessa does not seem to be wearing a wedding ring.

From BBC

"While these infants are born with more body fat, many seem to naturally balance out over time."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• imply
• look
• show
• sound
• suggest