the way a person, place, or thing looks to other people
Lena changed her appearance by cutting her long hair into a short bob.
The old library’s dusty shelves hide its grand appearance from the street.
✦ From Middle French apparence, from Latin apparentia ‘being visible’, from apparēre ‘to appear’.
the act of becoming visible or of arriving where people can see you
Everyone cheered at the sudden appearance of a rainbow after the storm.
The famous actor’s first appearance on stage lasted only a minute, but the audience loved it.
the impression something gives, which may hide the truth
The deal seemed fair, but that was only the appearance of honesty.
She kept up the appearance of confidence even though she was nervous.
a short public performance, visit, or interview by a well-known person
The singer’s surprise appearance on the morning show boosted ratings.
During his brief appearance at the festival, the author read a new poem.
the act of a lawyer or party formally attending court in a legal case
The defendant’s first appearance before the judge was brief.
Failing to make an appearance can lead to a default judgment.
the act or fact of someone or something disappearing.
The police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of the hiker in the mountains.
The disappearance of the magician happened right before the audience's eyes.
✦ Early 18th century: formed irregularly from disappear, on the pattern of appearance.
