Dictionary


ap•pear•ance



Pronunciation: (u-pēr'uns), [key]
—n.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. outward show or seeming; semblance: to avoid the appearance of coveting an honor.
4. Law.the coming into court of either party to a suit or action.
5. appearances,outward impressions, indications, or circumstances: By all appearances, he enjoyed himself.
6. Philos.the sensory, or phenomenal, aspect of existence to an observer.
7. Archaic.an apparition.
8. 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.
9. make an appearance, to come; arrive: He didn't make an appearance until after midnight.
10. put in an appearance, to attend a gathering or meeting, esp. for a very short time: The author put in an appearance at the cocktail party on her way to dinner.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

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