- appearance
- ap|pear|ance [ ə`pırəns ] noun ***1. ) count or uncount the way that someone or something looks:His thinning hair gave him the appearance of a much older man.Recent initiatives have done a lot to improve the appearance of the district.The twins are almost identical in appearance.a ) the way that someone or something looks, when this is different from the way it really is:He doesn't look well off, but you shouldn't judge by appearances.give the appearance of (doing) something: He had always given the appearance of agreeing with her ideas.to/by all appearances (=based on the way a situation seems): She was, to all appearances, enjoying the challenges of the new job.2. ) uncount the time when something starts to exist or be seen:The disease is contagious only before the appearance of its initial symptoms.a ) the fact of someone appearing, especially when you do not expect them:Julie's sudden appearance in the doorway startled me.3. ) count an occasion when you are on television or in a play, movie, concert, etc.:a public appearancemake an appearance: She has made numerous appearances on TV game shows.4. ) count an occasion when you go to a court of law, committee, or similar institution so that people can ask you questions and make decisions about you:He has had 14 other court appearances.keep up appearancesto pretend that everything is good, for example with your marriage or your financial situation, even though you are having problems:Their marriage was over, but they wanted to keep up appearances for the children's sake.put in/make an appearanceto go somewhere for a short time, especially because you feel you have an obligation to go there:I think I ought to put in an appearance at the office before lunch.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.