WordGarden.ioappearance
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /əpˈiərəns/
US
- /əˈpɪrəns/
Meanings
Noun
the way someone or something looks from the outside
an occasion when someone is present in public, at an event, or on screen
the impression that something is true or real
Beyond the definition
Appearance isn't just about being pretty—it's about how things seem and how they present themselves to the world. A shimmering mirage in the desert creates the deceptive appearance of water, even though it's just heat and light playing tricks on your eyes. Sometimes, appearances can be misleading! You might judge a book by its cover (its appearance), but you won't know what's inside until you read it. We talk about someone's personal appearance—their clothes, hairstyle, and how they carry themselves—but also the general appearance of places, like when we say, "the town had a run-down appearance." And sometimes we do things for appearances—to avoid gossip, to look professional, or simply to "keep up appearances," even if the reality behind the scenes is different.
The word "appearance" primarily refers to the way something or someone looks to others; its outward form or visible qualities. It encompasses everything that contributes to how we perceive something at first glance. For example, "The old house had a spooky appearance" suggests it looked frightening from the outside.
However, the word also describes the act of coming into view or becoming visible. You might describe the "sudden appearance of the sun" after a storm, or a celebrity making a "guest appearance" on a talk show. In this sense, it is about arrival and presence rather than just looks.
Of course, we frequently use it to discuss grooming and style. "He paid close attention to his personal appearance" means he cared about how he presented himself. Yet, it's important to remember that appearance isn't always reality. The common warning that "appearances can be deceiving" warns us against judging solely on outward impressions.
We also talk about "appearances" as social image: doing something "for appearances" or trying to "keep up appearances" means maintaining a certain outward impression, even if the truth is messier. And in more formal writing, an "appearance of" something (for example, "the appearance of corruption" or "the appearance of fairness") means there are signs that suggest it, whether or not it is proven.
In specialized contexts like law, "making an appearance" refers to formally presenting oneself in court—a specific act with legal implications. So whether you're describing a landscape, noting someone's arrival, managing your public image, or discussing a legal proceeding, "appearance" covers how things look, when they show up, and the impressions they create.
Examples
- 1
Personal presentation
She takes pride in her appearance, even when she's just going to the store.
- 2
First impressions
People often judge others by their appearance instead of getting to know them.
- 3
Misleading looks
The hotel looks simple from the street, but appearances can be deceiving.
- Phraseappearances can be deceiving
the truth may be different from what you first see
- 4
Public event
The singer made a surprise appearance at the end of the concert.
- Phrasemake an appearance
come to an event or place, often briefly
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Television
It was her first appearance on live television.
- 6
Legal appointment
He has a court appearance on Friday morning.
- Domaincourt appearance
an official time when someone must go to court
- 7
Social image
They kept up appearances for years, even though they were deeply unhappy.
- Phrasekeep up appearances
try to make a situation seem better than it really is
- 8
Sudden sign
The sudden appearance of smoke caused everyone to leave the building.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- physical appearance
- outward appearance
- appearances can be deceiving
- keep up appearances
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- appearancenoun
Forms
- appearancespluralnoun