Appear to Meaning in English

expression

US

əˈpɪɹ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ

uh-PEER-too, uh-PEER-tuh, uh-PEER-tih

UK

ɐpˈiə/ /tˈuː

uh-PEER-too

Definition

Used to say how something looks or seems, especially when you are not completely sure. It expresses an impression or what is likely based on what you see or know.

Usage & Nuances

Often followed by 'be' or a verb: 'appear to be', 'appear to have', 'appear to know'. More tentative than 'seem to', sometimes slightly more formal. Used for observations, not facts. Don't confuse with 'disappear'. Can be used with people, things, or situations.

• Spanish: parecer que - dar la impresión de que
• Portuguese (BR): parecer que - dar a impressão de que
• Portuguese (PT): parecer que - dar a impressão de que
• Chinese (Simplified): 似乎 - 看起来
• Chinese (Traditional): 似乎 - 看起來
• Hindi: ऐसा लगता है कि
• Arabic: يبدو أن
• Bengali: মনে হয় - মনে হচ্ছে - দেখাচ্ছে
• Russian: кажется - похоже
• Japanese: …ようだ - …みたいだ - …らしい
• Vietnamese: dường như - có vẻ như
• Korean: ~인 것 같다 - ~처럼 보이다
• Turkish: görünmek - gibi olmak
• Urdu: لگتا ہے - معلوم ہوتا ہے
• Indonesian: tampaknya - sepertinya

Example Sentences

They appear to be happy with the decision.

basic

The sky appears to be clear today.

basic

She appears to understand the instructions.

basic

No one appeared to notice when I left the room.

natural

That car appears to have been there all week.

natural

You appear to have lost your keys again.

natural