EnglishMain Dictionary
appear
Universal Words
verb
look / seem
1 linking verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to give the impression of being or doing sth
SYNSEEM:
[V-ADJ] She didn't appear at all surprised at the news. * [V-N] He appears a perfectly normal person. * [Vtoinf] She appeared to be in her late thirties. * They appeared not to know what was happening. * There appears to have been a mistake. * [V(that)] It appears there has been a mistake. * It appears unlikely that interest rates will fall further. * It would appear that this was a major problem.
be seen
2 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to start to be seen:
A bus appeared around the corner. * Smoke appeared on the horizon. * Three days later a rash appeared. * Posters for the gig appeared all over town. * New shoots are just appearing at the base of the plant.
begin to exist
3 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to begin to exist or be known or used for the first time:
When did mammals appear on the earth? * This problem first appeared in the inner cities.
of book / programme
4 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to be published or broadcast:
His new book will be appearing in the spring. * It was too late to prevent the story from appearing in the national newspapers. * These allegations appear in a forthcoming documentary.
in movie / play
5 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to take part in a film/movie, play, television programme, etc:
He has appeared in over 60 movies. * She regularly appears on TV. * Next month he will be appearing as Clinton in a new play on Broadway.
arrive
6 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to arrive at a place:
By ten o'clock Lee still hadn't appeared.
be written / mentioned
7 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to be written or mentioned somewhere:
Your name will appear at the front of the book.
in court
8 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to be present in a court of law in order to give evidence or answer a CHARGE:
A man will appear in court today charged with the murder. * She is expected to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court on Monday. * She appeared on six charges of theft. * They will appear before magistrates tomorrow. * He has been asked to appear as a witness for the defence.
9 [V] ~ for / on behalf of sb to act as sb's lawyer in court:
Cherie Booth is the lawyer appearing for the defendant.
seealsoAPPARENT
compareDISAPPEAR
