seem

seem
[[t]sim[/t]]
v. i.
1) to appear to be, feel, do, etc
2) to appear to one's own senses, judgment, etc
3) to appear to be true or probable:
It seems likely to rain[/ex]
4) to appear or pretend to be such:
to seem friendly[/ex]
Etymology: 1150–1200; ME seme < ON sŒma to befit, beseem, der. of sŒmr fitting, seemly syn: 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 frightened.

From formal English to slang. 2014.

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  • seem — W1S1 [si:m] v [linking verb, not in progressive] [Date: 1100 1200; : Old Norse; Origin: sœma to be appropriate to , from sœmr appropriate ] 1.) to appear to exist or be true, or to have a particular quality ▪ Ann didn t seem very sure. ▪ It seems …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • seem — [ sim ] verb intransitive never progressive *** 1. ) to appear to be something or appear to have a particular quality: John seems nice. seem (to be) someone/something: Susan seems a very sensible person. seem happy/genuine/relaxed etc. to someone …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • seem´er — seem «seem», intransitive verb. 1. to look like; appear to be: »This apple seemed good but was rotten inside. Does this room seem hot to you? He seemed a very old man. He seemed very strong for his age. 2. to appear to oneself: »I still seem to… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Seem — (s[=e]m), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Seemed} (s[=e]md); p. pr. & vb. n. {Seeming}.] [OE. semen to seem, to become, befit, AS. s[=e]man to satisfy, pacify; akin to Icel. s[ae]ma to honor, to bear with, conform to, s[ae]mr becoming, fit, s[=o]ma to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • seem — /seem/, v.i. 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.… …   Universalium

  • seem — seem, look, appear can mean to be as stated in one s view or judgment, but not necessarily in fact Often they are used interchangeably with apparently no difference in meaning {he seems tired} {the students look eager} {the orchestra appeared… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • seem — [sēm] vi. [ME semen, prob. < ON sœma, to conform to (akin to OE seman, to bring to agreement) < IE base * sem > SAME] 1. a) to appear to be; have the look of being [to seem happy] b) to appear; give the impression: usually followed by an …   English World dictionary

  • Seem — Seem, v. t. To befit; to beseem. [Obs.] Spenser. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • seem — ► VERB 1) give the impression of being. 2) (cannot seem to do) appear to be unable to do, despite having tried. ORIGIN originally also in the sense «be appropriate»: from an Old Norse word meaning fitting …   English terms dictionary

  • seem|ly — «SEEM lee», adjective, li|er, li|est, adverb. –adj. 1. fitting or becoming with respect to good taste; suitable; proper: »Some old people do not consider modern dances seemly. SYNONYM(S) …   Useful english dictionary

  • Seem. — Seem., bei Pflanzennamen Abkürzung für B. Seemann (s. d.) …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

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