appear

To seem to have a particular quality or be in a particular state.

• You appear tired today.
• He appeared to enjoy the meal.
• It appears that the shop is closed.

How to use it: appear + adjective (He appeared nervous during the interview.); appear to do something (She appears to know the answer.); it appears that ... (It appears that we have arrived early.)

Similar words: seem, look

Common phrases: appear tired, appear to be, appear calm

To become visible or arrive where someone can see you.

• A cat appeared at the door.
• The sun appeared from behind the clouds.
• Strange marks have appeared on the wall.

How to use it: appear in/at/on something (A message appeared on the screen.)

Similar words: emerge, come into view

Opposites: disappear, vanish

Common phrases: appear suddenly, appear in sight, appear at something, appear on screen

To be shown or included in a film, programme, book, or other work.

• Her name appears in the book.
• He appeared on television last night.
• She has appeared in several popular films.

How to use it: appear in something (She appeared in three films last year.); appear on something (His photograph appeared on the cover.); appear as someone/something (He appears as a doctor in the series.)

Similar words: feature

Common phrases: appear in something, appear on television, appear as someone

To become known to the public or begin to be noticed in public life.

• Several exciting young writers appeared during that decade.
• A new political movement appeared after the war.
• Fresh artistic talent continues to appear every year.

Similar words: emerge

Common phrases: appear on the scene, appear before the public