Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

appearance

 noun
     
ap‧pear‧ance W2
1

way somebody/something looks

[uncountable and countable] the way someone or something looks to other peopleCOLLOCATIONS COLLOCATIONS
somebody's appearance physical appearance personal appearance outward/external appearance spoil the appearance of somebody/something improve/enhance the appearance of somebody/something take pride in your appearance (=think that it is important to look good) judge by appearances (=make judgements based on the way someone or something looks) give the appearance of something/give every appearance of something (=seem to be something) have all the appearances of something (=seem exactly like something) appearances can be deceptive (=people or things are not always the way they look) to all appearances (=based on the way someone or something seems to most people)
He was always criticising his wife's appearance.
appearance of
They've changed the appearance of the whole building.
We are often attracted to somebody first by their physical appearance.
Women, in general, tend to be more concerned than men about their personal appearance.
She had an outward appearance of calm, but deep down she was really worried.
The metal posts spoiled the appearance of the garden.
A garnish helps to enhance the appearance of any dish.
She's the kind of woman who takes pride in her appearance .
You shouldn't judge by appearances.
They work hard at school without giving the appearance of being particularly hard-working.
The case had all the appearances of a straightforward murder.
The pupils looked angelic - but appearances can be deceptive.
He was, to all appearances, a respectable, successful businessman.
2

somebody takes part in a public event

[countable] when a famous person takes part in a film, concert or other public event:
It was his first public appearance since the election.
He made his last appearance for the club in the Cup Final.
appearance money/fee (=money paid to a famous person to attend an event)
3

something new starts to exist

[singular] when something new begins to exist or starts being used
appearance of
The industry has changed greatly with the appearance of new technologies.
the appearance of buds on the trees
4

arrival

[countable usually singular] the unexpected or sudden arrival of someone or something
appearance of
Eileen was deep in concentration, and the sudden appearance of her daughter startled her.
5

keep up appearances

to dress and behave in the way in which people expect you to, especially to hide your true situation:
She just wanted to keep up appearances for the kids.
6

for appearances' sake/for the sake of appearances

if you do something for appearances' sake, you are trying to behave how people expect you to, especially to hide your true situation or feelings
7

put in an appearance/make an appearance

to go to an event for a short time, because you think you should rather than because you want to:
At least Marc managed to put in an appearance at the party.
8

at a law court/meeting

[countable] an occasion when someone goes to a court of law or official meeting to give information, answer questions etc:
He is due to make another court appearance on Monday.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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