appearance
uh-PEER-ruhns
Appearance (noun) means the way someone or something looks. Example: “She changed her appearance dramatically after the haircut.”
noun
1
The way someone or something looks.
"She changed her appearance dramatically after the haircut."
"First appearances can be deceiving."
"Judging people by their appearance is rarely a good idea."
2
An instance of appearing or showing up somewhere, especially publicly.
"The singer made a surprise appearance at the charity concert."
"The author's appearance at the bookshop drew a long queue."
"Her first appearance on television made her nervous all week."
How to use appearance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow something or someone looks, or the act of showing up somewhere.
Common mistake
"Keep up appearances" means acting as if everything is fine to maintain a certain image, even if it isn't.
Common pairings
physical appearance
make an appearance
keep up appearances
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Word forms
- Plural
- appearances
Fill the gap
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She changed her _____ dramatically after the haircut.
Etymology
From Latin apparentia, from apparere, "to appear."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for appearance
See all rhymes for appearance →Frequently asked questions
What does “appearance” mean?
The word “appearance” means the way someone or something looks. In plain terms, how something or someone looks, or the act of showing up somewhere.
How do you pronounce “appearance”?
“Appearance” is pronounced uh-PEER-ruhns (/əˈpiɹ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “appearance” in a sentence?
Here is “appearance” used in a sentence: “She changed her appearance dramatically after the haircut.”
What is another word for “appearance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “appearance” include debut.
What is the opposite of “appearance”?
The opposite of “appearance” — its antonyms — are non-appearance and nonappearance.
What part of speech is “appearance”?
“Appearance” is a noun.
Where does the word “appearance” come from?
The word “appearance” comes from Latin. From Latin apparentia, from apparere, "to appear.".
Is “appearance” a common word?
“Appearance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between appearance and reality?
Appearance is how something looks or seems on the surface, while reality is how it actually is underneath. The two can match, but they often do not — something may appear calm yet be troubled within. This gap between seeming and being is a theme explored throughout philosophy and literature.
What is the difference between appearance and personality?
Appearance refers to outward looks — face, clothing, and physical form. Personality refers to the inner qualities that shape how someone thinks and behaves. One is visible at a glance; the other emerges over time. A striking appearance says nothing certain about the personality behind it.
Does 'appearance' mean how you look or showing up somewhere?
It means both. In one sense, appearance is the way a person or thing looks. In another, it is the act of appearing — arriving or being seen in public, as in a television appearance or a court appearance. Context makes clear which meaning is intended.
Can appearances be deceiving?
Yes. Because appearance is only the surface, it can hide or misrepresent what lies beneath. A cheap object can look expensive, and a kind person can seem stern. The saying 'appearances can be deceiving' warns against judging solely by how someone or something looks.
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