well-seeming

A well-seeming fruit can still be rotten inside.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Appearing or seeming to be good, proper, or virtuous: "well-seeming" describes something or someone that gives a favorable impression or appears to be of good quality or moral character, though this appearance may not always match reality.

Usage Examples

• (He appeared friendly and helpful, but his true motives were uncertain.)
• (Her conduct seemed proper and competent, but it did not reflect her actual character.)
• (The plan looked advantageous on the surface, but it had concealed drawbacks.)

Advanced Usage

• "well-seeming" as a modifier: This adjective is often used to contrast outward appearance with inner reality, implying a potential discrepancy between how something looks and what it truly is.
  • The well-seeming mansion was actually in a state of decay. (The house looked impressive but was structurally unsound.)

Variants and Related Words

• Well-seemingly (adverb): in a manner that appears good or proper.
  • He acted well-seemingly, but his actions later betrayed his true nature. (He behaved in a way that seemed virtuous.)

Synonyms

• Seemly: appropriate or fitting in appearance.
• Apparent: clearly visible or understood, but not necessarily true.
• Plausible: seeming reasonable or probable, often deceptively so.

Related Idioms

• All that glitters is not gold: a proverb meaning that appearances can be deceiving, similar to the implication of "well-seeming."
  • The well-seeming offer was too good to be true — remember, all that glitters is not gold. (The offer appeared excellent but was likely deceptive.)