appears withdrawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears withdrawn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who seems to be emotionally distant or disengaged in a particular situation. Example: "During the meeting, she appears withdrawn, not contributing to the discussion like she usually does."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She smiles but still appears withdrawn.

The Guardian

With that in mind, how can I get angry with her about little things?" Yet, despite his reconciliation with Dative, Vincent still appears withdrawn.

Vice

Even though I did bad things my wife visited me in prison for five years and welcomed me home afterwards, so how can I get angry with her about little things?" Yet despite his reconciliation with Dative, Vincent still appears withdrawn.

Vice

If your conversation partner appears withdrawn and uninterested in sharing information with you, don't persist too much.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The report highlighted the cases of one four-year-old boy who appeared withdrawn, wetting when previously dry, and an eight-year-old previously happy boy who had become sad, skipped school, lost his appetite, slept poorly and screamed in the night.

The Guardian

Mike Piazza was said to have appeared withdrawn, but however he felt or seemed, it did not prevent him from hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning Tuesday night that put the Mets ahead, 5-4, and on their way to a 7-5 victory.

The New York Times - Sports

So, whichever way you look at it, being a part of that cultural review has potentially cost me my England career". She says she was told she was dropped because she "wasn't abiding by 'Lioness standards'" - and the example given to her was that she appeared withdrawn in team meetings.

BBC

Arnold Frolics is a Toronto-based photographer who uses nudes, skewed perspectives, floods of light in darkness, and subjects who often appear withdrawn and almost defeated to create lonely, yet magical and dizzying, environments.

Vice

During these episodes he appeared withdrawn and somewhat blank.

BMC Nephrology

The reason could be depressed mothers remains preoccupied with their own feelings, causing them to miss infant cues and appear withdrawn and disengaged.

BMC Psychiatry

Persons with schizoid personality disorder appear aloof, withdrawn, unresponsive, humourless, and dull and are solitary to an abnormal degree.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "appears withdrawn", be mindful of the context and provide specific observations to support your assessment. This adds credibility and avoids generalizations.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "appears withdrawn" based solely on a single observation. Look for consistent patterns of behavior that support your conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears withdrawn" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that someone seems detached or emotionally unavailable. Ludwig AI examples show it describing a person's demeanor or state of mind.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appears withdrawn" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to indicate that someone seems detached or emotionally unavailable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and shows examples of its usage across varied contexts, including news, online guides, and scientific articles. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase serves a valuable purpose in conveying observations about a person's demeanor. When using "appears withdrawn", consider the context, avoid overgeneralizations, and look for supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears disengaged

Directly states a lack of active involvement or interest.

seems aloof

Focuses more on the perceived distance and lack of engagement, rather than the act of withdrawing.

looks detached

Emphasizes the visual impression of being separate or disconnected.

seems distant

Highlights the emotional or psychological separation.

looks uninterested

Highlights a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

seems preoccupied

Suggests the person's mind is occupied with other thoughts or concerns.

looks unresponsive

Focuses on a lack of reaction or acknowledgment.

appears reserved

Highlights a cautiousness or unwillingness to express feelings openly.

seems uncommunicative

Emphasizes a reluctance to talk or share information.

appears subdued

Indicates a quietness or low energy level, potentially linked to withdrawal.

FAQs

How can I use "appears withdrawn" in a sentence?

You can use "appears withdrawn" to describe someone who seems emotionally distant or disengaged in a particular situation. For example: "During the meeting, she "appears withdrawn", not contributing to the discussion like she usually does."

What is a good alternative to "appears withdrawn"?

Alternatives include "seems aloof", "looks detached", or "appears disengaged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "appears withdrawn" differ from "is withdrawn"?

"Appears withdrawn" suggests an observation or impression, while "is withdrawn" implies a confirmed or more permanent state. The former is less assertive and allows for uncertainty.

Is it appropriate to use "appears withdrawn" in formal writing?

Yes, "appears withdrawn" is suitable for formal writing as it is a neutral and objective way to describe someone's behavior. Consider the context and audience, ensuring it's not overly judgmental or speculative.