Appear, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Appeared; p. pr. & vb. n. Appearing.]
Etymology: [OE. apperen, aperen, OF. aparoir, F. apparoir, fr. L. appar to appear + parto come forth, to be visible; prob. from the same root as par to produce. Cf. Apparent, Parent, Peer, v. i.]
1. To come or be in sight; to be in view; to become visible. And God . . . said, Let . . . the dry land appear. Gen. i. 9.
2. To come before the public; as, a great writer appeared at that time.
3. To stand in presence of some authority, tribunal, or superior person, to answer a charge, plead a cause, or the like; to present one's self as a party or advocate before a court, or as a person to be tried. We must all appear before the judgment seat. * Cor. v. 10. One ruffian escaped because no prosecutor dared to appear. Macaulay.
4. To become visible to the apprehension of the mind; to be known as a subject of observation or comprehension, or as a thing proved; to be obvious or manifest. It doth not yet appear what we shall be. 1 John iii. 2. Of their vain contest appeared no end. Milton.
2 more senses
5. To seem; to have a certain semblance; to look. They disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Matt. vi. 16.
Syn. -- To seem; look. See Seem.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Appear, n.
Appearance. [Obs.] J. Fletcher.
Shades of meaning
Appear and look refer to what manifests itself to the senses; to a semblance or probability presented directly to the mind. Seem applies to what is manifest to the mind on reflection. It suddenly appears to me that there is smoke in the distance; as I watch, it looks like a fire; from my knowledge of the locality and observation of particulars, it seems to me a farmhouse must be burning.
Prepositions
Appear at the front; among the first; on or upon the surface; to the eye; in evidence, in print; from reports; near the harbor; before the public; in appropriate dress; with the insignia of his rank; above the clouds; below the surface; under the lee; over the sea; through the mist; appear for, in behalf of, or against one in court.