/ əˈpɪərəns; NAmE əˈpɪr-/ noun
WAY STH LOOKS / SEEMS
1.
[ C , U ] the way that sb/sth looks on the outside; what sb/sth seems to be :
the physical / outward / external appearance of sth
She had never been greatly concerned about her appearance.
The dog was similar in general appearance to a spaniel.
He gave every appearance of (= seemed very much to be) enjoying himself.
Judging by appearances can be misleading.
To all appearances (= as far as people could tell) he was dead.
When she lost all her money, she was determined to keep up appearances (= hide the true situation and pretend that everything was going well) .
SB / STH ARRIVING
2.
[ C , usually sing. ] the fact of sb/sth arriving, especially when it is not expected :
The sudden appearance of a security guard caused them to drop the money and run.
I don't want to go to the party, but I suppose I'd better put in an appearance (= go there for a short time) .
3.
[ C , usually sing. ] the moment at which sth begins to exist or starts to be seen or used :
the early appearance of daffodils in spring
the appearance of organic vegetables in the supermarkets
IN PUBLIC
4.
[ C ] an act of appearing in public, especially as a performer, politician, etc., or in court :
The Dutch player will make his first appearance for Liverpool this Saturday.
The singer's first public appearance was at the age of eight.
the defendant's appearance in court
BEING PUBLISHED / BROADCAST
5.
[ C , usually sing. ] an act of being published or broadcast :
the appearance of claims about the minister's private life in the press
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French aparance , aparence , from late Latin apparentia , from Latin apparere , from ad- towards + parere come into view.