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| Date: | 1100-1200 |
| Language: | Old Norse |
| Origin: | sma 'to be appropriate to', from smr 'appropriate' |
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seem S1 W1
[linking verb, not in progressive]
[linking verb, not in progressive]1 to appear to exist or be true, or to have a particular quality : 
Ann didn't seem very sure.It seems a foolish decision now.
Ann didn't seem very sure.It seems a foolish decision now. it seems likely/unlikely/reasonable/clear (that) It seems likely that he will miss Ireland's next match.
It seems likely that he will miss Ireland's next match.2 used to say that you have tried to do something but cannot do it : I just can't seem to relax.
can't/couldn't seem to do something
I just can't seem to relax.3 used to make what you are saying less strong or certain, and more polite
seem to do something I seem to have lost my car keys.
I seem to have lost my car keys.WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
seem, appear, look, soundSeem and appear have the same meaning but appear is more formal • They seem upset. • This appears to be a good solution. You use look to say how someone or something seems to you when you look at them • Maureen looked tired. • That book looks good. You use sound to say how someone or something seems to you when you hear or read about them, or hear them • She sounds a lovely person. • The party sounded great. • He sounded tired.GRAMMARSeem can be followed by an adjective or an adjective and noun • She seemed happy. • He seems a nice man.Seem can also be followed by a verb in the infinitive • His story seems to be true. • You seem to think it's my fault.!! Seem can be followed by as if or as though but not just by as • It seems a small thing (NOT it seems as a small thing), but it's very important. • It seemed as if he wanted us to leave (NOT it seemed as he wanted ...).
WORD CHOICE: seem, appear, look, soundSeem and appear have the same meaning but appear is more formal • They seem upset. • This appears to be a good solution. You use look to say how someone or something seems to you when you look at them • Maureen looked tired. • That book looks good. You use sound to say how someone or something seems to you when you hear or read about them, or hear them • She sounds a lovely person. • The party sounded great. • He sounded tired.GRAMMARSeem can be followed by an adjective or an adjective and noun • She seemed happy. • He seems a nice man.Seem can also be followed by a verb in the infinitive • His story seems to be true. • You seem to think it's my fault.!! Seem can be followed by as if or as though but not just by as • It seems a small thing (NOT it seems as a small thing), but it's very important. • It seemed as if he wanted us to leave (NOT it seemed as he wanted ...).
