appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to how something looks, for example "This room has a modern appearance".

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The debate over gene editing renewed earlier discussions about the ethical and social impacts of genetic engineering in humans, especially its potential to be used to alter traits such as intelligence and appearance.

Britannica

Archaic Sumerian covered a period from about 3100 bc, when the first Sumerian records make their appearance, down to about 2500 bc.

Britannica

All three are judged by the same standard of appearance, which calls for a well-proportioned dog with a long, straight muzzle, heavily haired, hanging ears, a docked pompom tail, and a characteristic springy gait and proud manner of carrying itself.

Britannica

I have been doing nothing to alter my appearance, lose weight or get fit, anything like that.

The Independent

Although the view-counts are measured in different ways, one video of Abbott's appearance published by the campaign group Momentum has been seen 1.4m times on Twitter, while another clip posted on the group's Facebook page has 445,000 viewers.

The Guardian

In its ruined condition, however, it has the appearance of a three-stepped pyramid rising to a height of about 70 metres (230 feet).

Britannica

The bowls are valued for their heat-retaining properties and the way in which they fit the hand as well as for their appearance.

Britannica

Some species of Blechnum and Sadleria develop short, stout, trunklike stems and stiff, leathery leaves, which give them the appearance more of a cycad than a typical fern.

Britannica

Long before the appearance of the first stringed keyboard instruments in the 14th century, the keyboard was developed and applied to the organ.

Britannica

As cultural objects they have been used throughout the world in all periods since the Stone Age and have been as varied in appearance as in their use and symbolism.

Britannica

The so-called true hawks members of the genus Accipiter (sometimes also called accipiters)—are exemplified by the sharp-shinned hawk (A. striatus), a bird with a 30-cm (12-inch) body length, gray above with fine rusty barring below, found through much of the New World, and by Cooper's hawk (A. cooperii), a North American species similar in appearance but larger to 50 cm (20 inches) long.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appearance" to describe not just visual attributes, but also the act of something coming into being or becoming available, such as "the appearance of new evidence".

Common error

Avoid using "appearance" when you actually mean the true nature or reality of something. "Appearance" often implies a contrast with what is actually the case.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "appearance" is as a noun. It refers to the way someone or something looks or seems, or the act of becoming visible. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from physical attributes to the arrival of something new.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

44%

News & Media

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "appearance" is a versatile noun with multiple meanings, primarily relating to how something looks or the act of something becoming visible. Ludwig AI confirms that "appearance" is grammatically correct and widely used. As evidenced by the numerous examples, "appearance" finds frequent use in encyclopedic contexts and news media, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, understanding the subtle difference between "appearance" and reality is crucial for precise communication. Consider alternatives like "visual aspect" or "outward look" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

visual aspect

Emphasizes the look or visual impression of something.

outward look

Focuses on the external or superficial impression.

physical form

Highlights the tangible shape and structure.

coming into view

Describes the act of something becoming visible.

mode of presentation

Refers to how something is presented or displayed.

general aspect

Implies a broad view of how something seems.

external features

Highlights the observable characteristics of something.

way something looks

Simple and direct alternative focusing on visual perception.

first showing

Focuses on the initial presentation or debut.

the look of things

An idiomatic expression suggesting outward indications or signs.

FAQs

How can I use "appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "appearance" to refer to the way someone or something looks, such as "The room's appearance was modern and sleek". It can also refer to the act of becoming visible, for example, "The sun's appearance after the storm was a welcome sight".

What is a good synonym for "appearance" when describing a person's looks?

When describing a person's looks, you could use "aspect", "look", or "mien", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "appearance" and "façade"?

"Appearance" generally refers to how something seems, while "façade" suggests a deceptive outward show designed to conceal something unpleasant or unwanted.

Can "appearance" refer to something other than visual aspects?

Yes, "appearance" can also refer to the act of something coming into being or becoming available, such as the "appearance of new evidence" or a performer's stage "debut".