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View synonyms for

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

/ ː /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ˈ𳾱 noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of seem1

First recorded before 1150–1200; Middle English seme, from Old Norse ճ “to befit, beseem,” derivative of ճ “fitting, seemly”; akin to ō “hDzԴǰ”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of seem1

C12: perhaps from Old Norse soma to beseem, from ճ befitting; related to Old English ŧ to reconcile; see same
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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.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“So many people are living in fear and that seems unfair, because you see so much online and then it turns out ICE isn’t there,” Barrera said.

From

Compared to its first act, this final portion of the film makes the concept of happiness seem vintage.

From

Plaid Cymru's Heledd Fychan said it was disappointing that there seemed to be no imminent review of how Wales was funded, despite that being a UK Labour manifesto promise.

From

But now as the year approaches its halfway point, a bleaker saying seems apt: “Exist ’til ’26.”

From

“ is the probable cause for them to be entering into a private business area? ... At this moment, it seems to me like they have a blanket authority almost to do anything.”

From

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