Etymology

Verb

1. To come or be in sight; to be in view; to become visible.

   And God ... said, Let ... the dry land appear. --Gen. i. 9.

2. To come before the public; as, a great writer appeared at that time.
3. To stand in presence of some authority, tribunal, or superior person, to answer a charge, plead a cause, or the like; to present one's self as a party or advocate before a court, or as a person to be tried.

   We must all appear before the judgment seat. --Cor. v. 10.

   One ruffian escaped because no prosecutor dared to appear. -- Thomas Babington Macaulay.

4. To become visible to the apprehension of the mind; to be known as a subject of observation or comprehension, or as a thing proved; to be obvious or manifest.

   It doth not yet appear what we shall be. --1 John iii. 2.

   Of their vain contest appeared no end. -- John Milton.

5. To seem; to have a certain semblance; to look.

   They disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. --Matt. vi. 16.

   He appeared quite happy with the result.

Usage notes

• Senses 4, 5. This is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive. See Appendix:English catenative verbs