seem

The word “seem” means to give the impression of being something; to appear to be. In plain terms, to appear to be a certain way, without necessarily being certain that it is true.

“Seem” is pronounced SEEM (/ˈsiːm/ in IPA).

Here is “seem” used in a sentence: “She seems happy with her new job.”

“Seem” is a verb.

The word “seem” comes from Old English. From Old Norse soema, "to conform to, befit," related to Old English seman, "to reconcile.".

“Seem” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Seem and appear both mean to give an impression rather than state a certain fact, and they are often interchangeable. Appear can lean more towards what is visible to the eye, while seem often covers impressions from any source, including feelings and reasoning. In most sentences either works comfortably.

To seem something is to give the impression of it, which may or may not be true. To be something states it as fact. "He seems tired" describes how he looks or comes across; "he is tired" asserts it directly. Seem leaves room for doubt that be does not.

You might say, "She seems happy today," or "It seems like a good idea." In each case, seem signals an impression rather than a firm fact, describing how something looks or feels rather than confirming that it definitely is that way.