appearance

[ uh-peer-uhns ]

noun

1. the act or fact of appearing, as to the eye or mind or before the public:

   the unannounced appearance of dinner guests; the last appearance of Caruso in Aïda; her first appearance at a stockholders' meeting.

   Synonyms: advent, coming, arrival

2. the state, condition, manner, or style in which a person or object appears; outward look or aspect:

   a table of antique appearance; a man of noble appearance.

   Synonyms: presence, demeanor

3. outward show or seeming; semblance:

   to avoid the appearance of coveting an honor.

   Synonyms: pretense, face

4. Law. the coming into court of either party to a suit or action.
5. appearances, outward impressions, indications, or circumstances:

   By all appearances, he enjoyed himself.

6. Philosophy. the sensory, or phenomenal, aspect of existence to an observer.
7. Archaic. an apparition.

appearance

/ əˈpɪərəns /

noun

1. the act or an instance of appearing, as to the eye, before the public, etc
2. the outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

   it has the appearance of powdered graphite

   her appearance was stunning

3. an outward show; pretence

   he gave an appearance of working hard

4. often plural one of the outward signs or indications by which a person or thing is assessed

   first appearances are deceptive

5. law
   1. the formal attendance in court of a party in an action
   2. formal notice that a party or his legal representative intends to maintain or contest the issue

      to enter an appearance

6. philosophy
   1. the outward or phenomenal manifestation of things
   2. the world as revealed by the senses, as opposed to its real nature Compare reality
7. keep up appearances
   to maintain the public impression of wellbeing or normality
8. put in an appearance or make an appearance
   to come or attend briefly, as out of politeness
9. to all appearances
   to the extent that can easily be judged; apparently

Other Words From

• preap·pearance noun
• reap·pearance noun
• subap·pearance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of appearance¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; appear + -ance; replacing Middle English aparance, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Late Latin appārentia, neuter plural of Latin appārēns apparent

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. keep up appearances, to maintain a public impression of decorum, prosperity, etc., despite reverses, unfavorable conditions, etc.:

   They tried to keep up appearances after losing all their money.

2. make an appearance, to come; arrive:

   He didn't make an appearance until after midnight.

3. put in an appearance, to attend a gathering or meeting, especially for a very short time:

   The author put in an appearance at the cocktail party on her way to dinner.

More idioms and phrases containing appearance

see keep up appearances ; put in an appearance .

Synonym Study

Appearance, aspect, guise refer to the way in which something outwardly presents itself to view. Appearance refers to the outward look: the shabby appearance of his car. Aspect refers to the appearance at some particular time or in special circumstances; it often has emotional implications, either ascribed to the object itself or felt by the beholder: In the dusk the forest had a terrifying aspect. Guise suggests a misleading appearance, assumed for an occasion or a purpose: under the guise of friendship.

Example Sentences

Recently, Google has been testing a new dark theme appearance in the search results.

From Search Engine Land

For instance, on a high-end console or PC, the models can start with one of 30 stock styles that render individual strands of hair in real-time for a super-realistic appearance.

From Popular-Science

If you are in this beta and you have access to the new appearance controls in Google Search, you will have an option in search settings to toggle on or off dark theme.

From Search Engine Land

Cheerleaders are paid for attending practices and making appearances on the team’s behalf during the offseason.

From Washington Post

The highlight was an appearance and brief remarks from Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra, whose mother is Filipino.

From Washington Post

He knew that a public appearance with Duke could be disastrous.

From The Daily Beast

In his brief appearance today, Scalise never mentioned Duke.

From The Daily Beast

The healthier appearance and civilian clothing are very peculiar.

From The Daily Beast

The majority of these stories are making their first appearance online.

From The Daily Beast

An appearance in even a third-tier bowl is worth a couple million dollars.

From The Daily Beast

I was rather awed by his imposing appearance, and advanced timidly to the doors, which were of glass, and pulled the bell.

From Project Gutenberg

And once more, she found herself desiring to be like Janet--not only in appearance, but in soft manner and tone.

From Project Gutenberg

Where the dampness is excessive the fronds take on an unhealthy appearance, and mould may appear.

From Project Gutenberg

Keep closely covered with a bell glass and, in a few weeks, more or less, the baby Ferns will start to put in an appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

This gave the house a very cheerful appearance, as if it were constantly on a broad grin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrival
• debut
• display
• presence
• presentation