What does appearance mean?
Appearance is a noun with two closely related core meanings: the way a person or thing looks, and the act of coming into view or presenting oneself somewhere. In its first sense it covers everything from physical attractiveness to general outward aspect, as in 'the building's shabby appearance'. In its second sense it denotes an instance of becoming visible or of appearing in public — a stage appearance, a television appearance, or a court appearance. The word carries no inherent positive or negative charge, but it sits at the centre of several idioms about surface versus substance: 'appearances can be deceptive', 'judge by appearances', and 'keep up appearances', which implies maintaining a respectable front regardless of reality. Derived from the verb appear via Old French and ultimately Latin apparere, 'to come into view', it entered English in the late Middle English period. Its versatility makes it indispensable for describing both how things look and the moments they show up.
nounThe way that someone or something looks, especially as judged visually. Also, an act of coming into view or becoming visible, or an instance of someone appearing in public, in a performance, or in a legal proceeding.
- The visual look or outward aspect of a person or thing.
- An act of coming into view or becoming visible.
- An instance of appearing publicly — in person, on stage, on screen, or before a court.
"Her appearance at the conference drew a standing ovation."
"The cottage's weathered appearance suggested it had stood there for centuries."
"The defendant made her first court appearance on Tuesday morning."
Standard plural, used when referring to multiple instances of looking or showing up, or to outward aspects collectively (as in 'to all appearances').
"The actor's rare public appearances are always eagerly covered by the press."
Judging by appearances is such an old habit that the phrase 'appearances can be deceptive' has been warning us about it since at least the 17th century.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of appearance
Appearance derives from the verb appear, which came into Middle English from Old French aparoir/apar- stem, ultimately from Latin apparere, 'to come into view, be visible', formed from ad- ('toward') plus parere ('to come forth, be visible'). The noun appearance took hold in English during the late medieval period and broadened from the literal sense of coming into sight to cover outward looks and public showings. It shares this Latin root with apparent, apparition, and transparent.
Related word forms
How appearance is actually used
A neutral, everyday word used across registers. In phrases like 'keep up appearances' it often carries a slightly ironic connotation of maintaining a respectable facade. The plural is standard when referring to multiple instances of looking or showing up.
Easily confused with appearance
"Appearence" is simply a common misspelling; the correct spelling is "appearance", with the -ance ending.