Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[puzzle]

Dear teachers,
Can you tell me some similarities and differences between "appear' and "seem"?
Thank you!

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Puzzle -

In 'common usage' appear and seem are very similar and are often interchangable.

If, however, you consider the origin of the two words, you may find a subtle diference.

appear (Greek->Old French->Middle English) = display->taken as/ evident

seem (Old Norse->Middle English) = befit/beseem


So....If you see dark clouds in the sky, you might say

'(It) Appears it's going to rain.'


If the best time to sow seeds in your garden is after a rain

and you see dark clounds in the sky, you might say

'Seems like it's time to sow the garden.'


Alas...These days you are more likely to hear

'Looks like it's going to rain.' and 'Looks like it's time to sow the garden.'

Philo