the act or fact of appearing, as to the eye or mind or before the public: the unannounced appearance of dinner guests; the last appearance of Caruso in Aïda; her first appearance at a stockholders' meeting.
the state, condition, manner, or style in which a person or object appears; outward look or aspect: a table of antique appearance; a man of noble appearance.
outward show or seeming; semblance: to avoid the appearance of coveting an honor.
Law. the coming into court of either party to a suit or action.
appearances,outward impressions, indications, or circumstances: By all appearances, he enjoyed himself.
Philosophy. the sensory, or phenomenal, aspect of existence to an observer.
Archaic. an apparition.
Idioms for appearance
keep up appearances, to maintain a public impression of decorum, prosperity, etc., despite reverses, unfavorable conditions, etc.: They tried to keep up appearances after losing all their money.
make an appearance, to come; arrive: He didn't make an appearance until after midnight.
put in an appearance, to attend a gathering or meeting, especially for a very short time: The author put in an appearance at the cocktail party on her way to dinner.
Origin of appearance
1350–1400; appear + -ance; replacing Middle English aparance<Anglo-French, Old French <Late Latin appārentia, neuter plural of Latin appārēnsapparent
SYNONYMS FOR appearance
1 arrival, coming, advent.
2 demeanor, presence.
3 face, pretense.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR appearance ON THESAURUS.COM
synonym study for appearance
2. Appearance,aspect,guise refer to the way in which something outwardly presents itself to view. Appearance refers to the outward look: the shabby appearance of his car.Aspect refers to the appearance at some particular time or in special circumstances; it often has emotional implications, either ascribed to the object itself or felt by the beholder: In the dusk the forest had a terrifying aspect.Guise suggests a misleading appearance, assumed for an occasion or a purpose: under the guise of friendship.