WordGarden.ioapparent
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /əpˈærənt/
US
- /əˈpɛrənt/
Meanings
Adjective
easy to see, notice, or understand; obvious
seeming to be real or true, though that may not be so
Beyond the definition
Something that's apparent is clearly revealed to the sight or understanding. It often describes things that are undeniably obvious—like a shattered window making a break-in apparent. However, be careful: this word has a double life. While it usually means "plain to see," it can also describe something that only seems real but might not be. A magician performs an apparent miracle that is actually just a trick. Essentially, the word describes what is clearly visible to us, whether that visibility reveals a hard fact or just a surface impression.
The word "apparent" operates on the boundary between perception and reality. Primarily, it describes something clearly perceived or understood. For example: "The damage to the car was immediately apparent." In this sense, there is no trickery; the facts are simply plain to see. You will often hear the phrase "It became apparent" when a truth is revealed over time, such as, "It became apparent that she was the winner."
However, "apparent" has a second, crucial nuance: the contrast between what seems to be and what actually is. In this context, it acts as a synonym for "seeming" or "ostensible." A person might show "apparent indifference" while actually caring deeply. Here, the visual evidence implies one thing, but the deeper truth is different.
It is helpful to remember that "apparent" does not always equal "actual." An apparent malfunction might just be a loose cord. The word comes from the Latin "appārēre," meaning "to become visible." This is the golden thread connecting both meanings: whether it is an obvious truth or a deceptive disguise, something that is apparent has come clearly into view.
Examples
- 1
First impression
The problem wasn't apparent at first.
- 2
Emotional clue
Her disappointment was apparent from her voice.
- 3
Realization
It soon became apparent that we had missed the deadline.
- 4
User experience
The difference may not be apparent to new users.
- Patternapparent to + person
easy for that person to notice or understand
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unclear cause
For no apparent reason, the lights in the hallway went out.
- Phrasefor no apparent reason
with no clear reason
- 6
Hidden doubt
Despite his apparent confidence, he kept checking his notes.
- 7
Election result
The apparent winner of the election changed after all the votes were counted.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- become apparent
- readily apparent
- apparent from
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- apparentadjective