/euh pear"euhns/ , n.
1. the act or fact of appearing, as to the eye or mind or before the public: the unannounced appearance of dinner guests; the last appearance of Caruso in Aïda; her first appearance at a stockholders' meeting.
2. the state, condition, manner, or style in which a person or object appears; outward look or aspect: a table of antique appearance; a man of noble appearance.
3. outward show or seeming; semblance: to avoid the appearance of coveting an honor.
4. Law. the coming into court of either party to a suit or action.
5. appearances , outward impressions, indications, or circumstances: By all appearances, he enjoyed himself.
6. Philos. the sensory, or phenomenal, aspect of existence to an observer.
7. Archaic. an apparition.
8. keep up appearances , to maintain a public impression of decorum, prosperity, etc., despite reverses, unfavorable conditions, etc.: They tried to keep up appearances after losing all their money.
9. make an appearance , to come; arrive: He didn't make an appearance until after midnight.
10. put in an appearance , to attend a gathering or meeting, esp. for a very short time: The author put in an appearance at the cocktail party on her way to dinner.
[ 1350-1400; APPEAR + -ANCE; r. ME aparance apparentia, neut. pl. of L apparens APPARENT ]
Syn. 1. arrival, coming, advent. 2. demeanor, presence. APPEARANCE, ASPECT, GUISE refer to the way in which something outwardly presents itself to view. APPEARANCE refers to the outward look: the shabby appearance of his car. ASPECT refers to the appearance at some particular time or in special circumstances; it often has emotional implications, either ascribed to the object itself or felt by the beholder: In the dusk the forest had a terrifying aspect. GUISE suggests a misleading appearance, assumed for an occasion or a purpose: under the guise of friendship. 3. face, pretense.