appear

views updated Jun 11 2018

ap·pear / əˈpi(ə)r/ • v. [intr.] 1. come into sight; become visible or noticeable, typically without visible agent or apparent cause. ∎  come into existence or use: the major life forms appeared on earth. ∎  (of a book) be published. the paperback edition didn't appear for another two years. ∎  feature or be shown: the symbol appears in many paintings of the period. ∎  perform publicly in a movie, play, etc.: he appeared on Broadway. ∎  (of an accused person, witness, or lawyer) make an official appearance in a court of law. ∎ inf. arrive at a place: by ten o'clock Bill still hadn't appeared.2. seem; give the impression of being: she appeared not to know what was happening it appears unlikely that interest rates will fall | he appeared unaware of the rebuke.

appear

views updated Jun 08 2018

appear become or be visible or manifest XIII; seem to be XIV. ME. aperen — tonic stem of OF. apareir :- L. appārēre, f. AP- + pārēre come into view.
So appearance XIV. ME. aparaunce — OF. aparance, -ence (mod. apparence) :- late L. appārentia; see -ANCE.

Appear

views updated May 21 2018

APPEAR

To come before a court as a party or a witness in a lawsuit.