Appear is a common English verb that is used to describe the act of coming into view, becoming visible, or making an impression. It is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing the appearance of a person or object to expressing the emergence of an idea or emotion. In this article, we will explore the definitions, origins, and associations of the word appear, as well as its synonyms and antonyms.
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, appear means “to become visible or present oneself, especially suddenly or unexpectedly.” It can also mean “to be seen or noticed in a particular way” or “to give the impression of being or doing something.” Other definitions include “to come into existence or become known” and “to make an appearance or show up.”
Origin
The word appear comes from the Old French word aparoir, which means “to come to light” or “to appear.” It is derived from the Latin word apparere, which means “to be visible” or “to appear.” The word has been in use in English since the 13th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, appear means “to become visible” or “to come into existence.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to start to be seen or to be present” or “to seem.” The Collins Dictionary defines it as “to come into sight” or “to be evident.”
Associations
The word appear is often associated with the idea of visibility or presence. It can also be associated with the idea of perception or impression, as in the phrase “to appear to be.” Additionally, it can be associated with the idea of emergence or revelation, as in the phrase “to appear out of nowhere.”
Synonyms
Some synonyms for appear include: emerge, materialize, surface, manifest, show up, arrive, come into view, present itself, become visible, and become apparent.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for appear include: disappear, vanish, recede, fade, withdraw, hide, and conceal.
The same root words
Some words that share the same Latin root as appear include: apparent, apparition, and apparitor.
Example Sentences
- The sun appeared over the horizon.
- The ghost appeared in the middle of the night.
- The evidence appears to suggest that he is guilty.
- The new restaurant appeared on the block last week.
- The magician made the rabbit appear out of nowhere.