- appearance
- noun
1 WAY SB/STH LOOKS (C, U) the way someone or something looks to other people: You mustn't worry about your appearance - you look fine. | They've changed the whole appearance of the building. | judge by appearances (=judge someone or something by the way they look): It's usually best not to judge by appearances. | have all the appearances of (=have all the qualities or features that are typical of something): The case had all the appearances of a straightforward murder. | to/by all appearances (=based on the way someone or something seems to most people): He was, to all appearances, a respectable, successful businessman. | contrary to/against (all) appearances (=in spite of the way they appear): Contrary to appearances, she's actually quite funny when you get to know her. | give/create the appearance of (=seem): Nigel gives the appearance of being confident, but he isn't really.2 STH NEW (singular) the point at which something new begins to exist or starts being used(+ of): the appearance of the first mammals | the appearance of buds on the trees3 ARRIVAL (countable usually singular) the unexpected or sudden arrival of someone or something(+ of): The shouting suddenly stopped with the appearance of Peter's father.4 PLAY/FILM/CONCERT ETC (C) the act of taking part in a film, play, concert etc: make an appearance: He made his first appearance on stage in a Broadway review. | the band's only European appearance this year5 keep up appearances to continue to wear good clothes and behave as though you have plenty of money even though you no longer do6 for appearances' sake/for the sake of appearances if you do something for appearances' sake, you are trying to make people think you are still happy, successful etc7 put in an appearance/make an appearance to go to an event for a short time, because you think you should: At least Marc managed to put in an appearance at the party.8 LAW COURT/MEETING (C) the act of being present at a court of law or official meeting: make an appearance: He made a brief appearance in court.
Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.