seem
Americanverb (used without object)
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to appear to be, feel, do, etc..
She seems better this morning.
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to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc..
It seems to me that someone is calling.
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to appear to exist.
There seems no need to go now.
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to appear to be true, probable, or evident.
It seems likely to rain.
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to give the outward appearance of being or to pretend to be.
He only seems friendly because he wants you to like him.
verb
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(copula) to appear to the mind or eye; look
this seems nice
the car seems to be running well
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to give the impression of existing; appear to be
there seems no need for all this nonsense
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used to diminish the force of a following infinitive to be polite, more noncommittal, etc
I can't seem to get through to you
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- seemer noun
Etymology
Origin of seem
First recorded before 1150–1200; Middle English seme, from Old Norse sœma “to befit, beseem,” derivative of sœmr “fitting, seemly”; akin to sōmi “honor”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The singer seemed overwhelmed as she made her third trip of the night to the podium.
From BBC
Diversification seems to be paying off this year.
Some said they were pleasantly surprised that their U.S.-born adult children, who had never set foot in Iran, seemed as elated by the news as they were.
From Los Angeles Times
But all is not what it seems, and both Stone's character and the organization she works for have questions to answer, including over the death of Teddy's beloved mother.
From Barron's
Investors should proceed as if regional energy supply disruptions will definitely occur, even if the physical damage initially seems limited.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
