appearance

 
Pronunciation: /əˈpɪər(ə)ns/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the way that someone or something looks: she checked her appearance in the mirror
  • [count noun] an impression given by someone or something: she read it with every appearance of interest
  • 2an act of performing or participating in a public event: he is well known for his television appearances
  • 3an act of arriving or becoming visible: the sudden appearance of her daughter startled her
  • a process of coming into existence or use: the appearance of the railway

Phrases

keep up appearances

maintain an impression of wealth or well-being.

make (or put in) an appearance

attend an event briefly, especially as a matter of courtesy.

to (or by) all appearances

as far as can be seen: to all appearances, it had been a normal day

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French aparance, aparence, from late Latin apparentia, from Latin apparere (see appear)