seem

[seem]

verb (used without object)

1. to appear to be, feel, do, etc..

   She seems better this morning.

2. to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc..

   It seems to me that someone is calling.

3. to appear to exist.

   There seems no need to go now.

4. to appear to be true, probable, or evident.

   It seems likely to rain.

5. to give the outward appearance of being or to pretend to be.

   He only seems friendly because he wants you to like him.

seem

/ siːm /

verb

1. (copula) to appear to the mind or eye; look

   this seems nice

   the car seems to be running well

2. to give the impression of existing; appear to be

   there seems no need for all this nonsense

3. used to diminish the force of a following infinitive to be polite, more noncommittal, etc

   I can't seem to get through to you

Other Word Forms

• seemer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of seem¹

First recorded before 1150–1200; Middle English seme, from Old Norse sœma “to befit, beseem,” derivative of sœmr “fitting, seemly”; akin to sōmi “honor”

Word History and Origins

Origin of seem¹

C12: perhaps from Old Norse soma to beseem, from sœmr befitting; related to Old English sēman to reconcile; see _same

Synonym Study

Seem, appear, look refer to an outward aspect that may or may not be contrary to reality. Seem is applied to something that has an aspect of truth and probability: It seems warmer today. Appear suggests the giving of an impression that may be superficial or illusory: The house appears to be deserted. Look more vividly suggests the use of the eye (literally or figuratively) or the aspect as perceived by the eye: She looked very much frightened.

Example Sentences

He seemed relaxed, at peace, like a man who had gone through something horrific but had come out the other side changed for the better.

From BBC

Reform conferences have become slick, big-budget affairs so few seemed surprised when pyrotechnics marked the leader's arrival on stage.

From BBC

The veep has tried to increase his visibility recently by going on vacation wherever he can still get a room and service, and he’s desperate to seem vital.

From Salon

"Growth that may seem impossible today can be unlocked with new ideas, better technology and greater innovation," Tesla chair Robyn Denholm said.

From BBC

Then one day, as I sat down, the seat broke, and my fleshy cheek seemed to have plunged into the abyss.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imply 
• look 
• show 
• sound 
• suggest