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

The story of fluoridation reads like a postmodern fable, and the moral is clear: a scientific discovery might seem like a boon.

From The Daily Beast

Again, the difference can seem subtle and sound more like splitting hairs, but the difference is important.

From The Daily Beast

To make it work almost everything else about these shows has to seem factual which is why many look like a weird Celebrity Sims.

From The Daily Beast

Many of those who have become cops in New York seem to have ceased to address such minor offenses over the past few days.

From The Daily Beast

A recent U.S. study found men get a “daddy bonus” —employers seem to like men who have children and their salaries show it.

From The Daily Beast

She was growing a little stout, but it did not seem to detract an iota from the grace of every step, pose, gesture.

From Project Gutenberg

Accordingly, the question "How far does the note issue under the new system seem likely to prove an elastic one?"

From Project Gutenberg

A good many children seem to be like savages in distinguishing those to whom one is bound to speak the truth.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not know what I think; all my thoughts seem whirling round as leaves do in brooks in the time of the spring rains.

From Project Gutenberg

They don't seem to think there would be much good gained by begging for special favours through routine channels.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• imply
• look
• show
• sound
• suggest