Definition

1. Noun:
   • The event of coming into sight; the act of becoming visible: "appearance" refers to the moment something or someone becomes seen.
   • The outward or visible aspect of a person or thing: "appearance" describes how someone or something looks from the outside.
   • The act of appearing in public view, especially in a performance or formal setting: "appearance" can mean a public presence, such as in a court, on stage, or at an event.
   • A semblance or impression given, which may differ from reality: "appearance" can refer to the impression something creates, which might be deceptive.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to becoming visible:

  • The sudden appearance of the sun after the storm cheered everyone up.
  • The ghost made a frightening appearance at midnight.

• Referring to outward look or aspect:

  • She pays great attention to her personal appearance.
  • Despite its shabby appearance, the house was very cozy inside.

• Referring to a public presence or act of attending:

  • The actor made a special appearance at the film festival.
  • Your appearance in court is required tomorrow.

• Referring to a semblance or impression:

  • He gave the appearance of being confident, but he was very nervous.
  • To all appearances, the deal was successful.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Keep up appearances": To maintain an outward show of prosperity, propriety, or well-being, especially to hide the true situation.

  • After losing his job, he tried hard to keep up appearances for the sake of his family.

• "For appearance's sake": Done to create a good impression or to conform to what is expected socially, rather than from genuine feeling.

  • They invited her for appearance's sake, not because they wanted her there.

• "Put in an appearance": To attend an event briefly, often out of obligation.

  • The manager put in an appearance at the office party before leaving early.

Variants and Related Words

• Appear (verb): To come into sight; to become visible or present.

  • Stars appear in the night sky.

• Disappearance (noun): The act or an instance of disappearing.

  • The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains a mystery.

• Reappearance (noun): The act of appearing again after an absence.

  • The comet's reappearance is predicted in 75 years.

Synonyms

• Look: The way that someone or something appears to the eyes.
• Semblance: The outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different.
• Presence: The state or fact of being present in a place, often with a notable impact.
• Aspect: A particular part or feature of something, especially its visual quality.

Antonyms

• Disappearance: The act or process of ceasing to be visible.
• Reality: The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them (contrasts with deceptive appearance).

Idioms and Phrases

• To all appearances / From all appearances: Based on what can be seen or what is obvious.

  • To all appearances, they were a happy couple.

• Appearances can be deceptive: A saying meaning that the way something looks from the outside may not reflect its true nature.

  • The house looked small from the road, but appearances can be deceptive—it's huge inside.

Noun

1. pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression
   • they try to keep up appearances
   • that ceremony is just for show
2. the act of appearing in public view
   • the rookie made a brief appearance in the first period
   • it was Bernhardt's last appearance in America
3. a mental representation
   • I tried to describe his appearance to the police
4. formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action
5. the event of coming into sight
6. outward or visible aspect of a person or thing