verb

appear

uh-PEER

verb

To come into view; to become visible.

"A rainbow appeared after the storm passed."

"He appeared at the door just as we were about to leave."

To seem or give the impression of being a certain way.

"She appeared calm despite the chaos around her."

To perform or take part publicly, as in a show, court case, or event.

"He is set to appear in court next Tuesday."

How to Use Appear

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo become visible, to seem a certain way, or to show up somewhere officially or publicly.

Common pairings

appear in court appear on screen appear to be

Word Forms

appeared past tense, appear plural, appeared plural, appears singular, appear singular, appeared singular, appearest singular, appearedst singular, appeareth singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “appear” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A rainbow _____ after the storm passed.

Etymology

From Latin apparere, "to appear," from ad- ("to") plus parere ("to come forth, be visible").

Synonyms

View more →

come forth forthcome heave in sight heave in view heave into sight heave into view materialize see the light of day

Antonyms

disappear vanish

Related Words

vanish disappear emerge embody materialize

Rhymes for appear

ear year dear hear tear bear wear near fear pear gear rear

See all rhymes for appear →

People Also Searched

come forth forthcome heave in sight heave in view heave into sight heave into view materialize see the light of day disappear vanish emerge embody