/ əˈpɪə(r); NAmE əˈpɪr/ verb
LOOK / SEEM
1.
linking verb (not used in the progressive tenses) to give the impression of being or doing sth
SYN seem :
[ v - adj ]
She didn't appear at all surprised at the news.
[ v - n ]
He appears a perfectly normal person.
[ v to inf ]
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 that 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.
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.
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 Bush 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 court in order to give evidence or answer a charge :
A man will appear in court today charged with the murder.
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 ] appear for / on behalf of sb to act as sb's lawyer in court :
Cherie Booth is the lawyer appearing for the defendant.
—see also apparent
—compare disappear
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French apareir , from Latin apparere , from ad- towards + parere come into view.