n.1 the act or an instance of appearing.
2 an outward form as perceived (whether correctly or not), esp. visually (has an appearance of prosperity; gives the appearance of trying hard).
3 a semblance.
Phrases and idioms:
keep up appearances maintain an impression or pretence of virtue, affluence, etc. make (or put in) an appearance be present, esp. briefly. to all appearances as far as can be seen; apparently.
Etymology: ME f. OF aparance, -ence f. LL apparentia (as APPEAR, -ENCE)