seem
6 synonyms for seem, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give the impression of being something; to appear to be.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
come across as
give the impression
look like
How to use seem
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
seem to be
it seems that
seem like
Etymology
From Old Norse soema, "to conform to, befit," related to Old English seman, "to reconcile."
Full origin of seem →Frequently asked questions
What does “seem” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “seem”?
“Seem” is pronounced SEEM (/ˈsiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “seem” in a sentence?
Here is “seem” used in a sentence: “She seems happy with her new job.”
What part of speech is “seem”?
“Seem” is a verb.
Where does the word “seem” come from?
The word “seem” comes from Old English. From Old Norse soema, "to conform to, befit," related to Old English seman, "to reconcile.".
Is “seem” a common word?
“Seem” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between seem and appear?
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.
What is the difference between seem and be?
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.
What is an example of seem used in a sentence?
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.
