Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give the impression of being something or of having a particular quality: Used to describe how something appears to an observer, based on available evidence or perception, but without stating it as a definite fact.
   • To appear to one's own mind or opinion: Used to express a personal belief, feeling, or judgment about a situation, often when the speaker is not completely certain.
   • To appear to exist or to be the case: Used to indicate that something is perceived or believed to be true, probable, or apparent.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • He seems very tired today. (He gives the impression of being tired.)
  • It seems that we have made a mistake. (Based on the evidence, I believe we have made a mistake.)
  • There seems to be a problem with the computer. (A problem appears to exist.)
  • I seem to have lost my keys. (I have the impression that I have lost them.)

Advanced Usage

• "Can't seem to": Used to express difficulty or inability in doing something, often with a sense of frustration.
  • I can't seem to concentrate today. (I am having difficulty concentrating.)
• "It seems to me (that)...": A phrase used to introduce a personal opinion or viewpoint.
  • It seems to me that we need more information. (In my opinion, we need more information.)
• "Seem + adjective": A common structure to describe an impression.
  • The solution seems simple.
• "Seem + to + infinitive verb": Used to describe an impression about an action or state.
  • She seems to know everyone here.

Variants and Related Words

• Seeming (adjective): Appearing to be true or real, but not necessarily so.
  • With his seeming confidence, he hid his nervousness well.
• Seemingly (adverb): According to the available facts or appearance; apparently.
  • The task was seemingly impossible.

Synonyms

• Appear: To give a particular impression. ()
• Look: To have a specific appearance that suggests a particular state. ()

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "It would seem (that)...": A more formal or cautious way to say "it seems."
  • It would seem that our initial hypothesis was correct.
• "So it seems": A phrase used to agree with or acknowledge an impression or statement that has been made.
  • "Is he late again?" "So it seems."

Verb

1. appear to one's own mind or opinion
   • I seem to be misunderstood by everyone
   • I can't seem to learn these Chinese characters
2. appear to exist
   • There seems no reason to go ahead with the project now
3. seem to be true, probable, or apparent
   • It seems that he is very gifted
   • It appears that the weather in California is very bad
4. give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
   • She seems to be sleeping
   • This appears to be a very difficult problem
   • This project looks fishy
   • They appeared like people who had not eaten or slept for a long time