View synonyms for seem

seem

[ seem ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

to appear to be, feel, do, etc.:
She seems better this morning.
to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc.:
It seems to me that someone is calling.
to appear to exist:
There seems no need to go now.
to appear to be true, probable, or evident:
It seems likely to rain.
to give the outward appearance of being or to pretend to be:
He only seems friendly because he wants you to like him.

seem

/ siːm /

verb

copula to appear to the mind or eye; look
this seems nice
the car seems to be running well
to give the impression of existing; appear to be
there seems no need for all this nonsense
used to diminish the force of a following infinitive to be polite, more noncommittal, etc
I can't seem to get through to you

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Usage

See like 1

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Derived Forms

ˈseemer, noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of seem¹

First recorded before 1150–1200; Middle English seme, from Old Norse sœma “to befit, beseem,” derivative of sœmr “fitting, seemly”; akin to sōmi “honor”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of seem¹

C12: perhaps from Old Norse soma to beseem, from sœmr befitting; related to Old English sēman to reconcile; see same

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Synonym Study

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.

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