appearance

ap·pear·ance

noun \ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s\

Definition of APPEARANCE

1

a : external show : semblance <although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality>

b : outward aspect : look <had a fierce appearance>

c plural : outward indication <trying to keep up appearances>

2

a : a sense impression or aspect of a thing <the blue of distant hills is only an appearance>

b : the world of sensible phenomena

3

a : the act, action, or process of appearing

b : the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney

4

a : something that appears : phenomenon

b : an instance of appearing : occurrence

Examples of APPEARANCE

1. The general appearance of the house is quite good.
2. The museum restored the painting to its original appearance.
3. lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture
4. You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance.
5. Have you noticed any changes in her appearance?
6. He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive.
7. Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.

First Known Use of APPEARANCE

14th century

Related to APPEARANCE

Synonyms

aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, mien, outside, presence, regard [archaic], cut of one's jib, first blush

Antonyms

decamping, decampment, departing, departure, disappearance, exit, exiting, farewell, going, leave-taking, parting, quitting

Related Words

air, attitude, bearing, behavior, comportment, demeanor, deportment, manner, poise, pose; carriage, posture, stance; cast, mold, shape, turn; color, coloring, complexion; countenance, face, features, habit, habitus, person [archaic], physiognomy, superficies, visage

Near Antonyms

dissipation, dissolution, evaporation, fadeaway, fading, melting, passing, vanishing; clearing out, egress, leaving, retirement, retreat, withdrawal; emigration, evacuation, exodus

ap·pear·ance

noun \ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of APPEARANCE

1

: the action or process of becoming evident to the senses <the sudden appearance of a rash on the body>

2

: the outward or visible aspect of something <a tumor with a spongy appearance>

—ap·pear \ə-ˈpi(ə)r\ (audio pronunciation) intransitive verb