to appear to be, feel, do, etc.: She seems better this morning.
2.
to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc.: It seems to me that someone is calling.
3.
to appear to exist: There seems no need to go now.
4.
to appear to be true, probable, or evident: It seems likely to rain.
5.
to give the outward appearance of being or to pretend to be: He only seems friendly because he wants you to like him.
Origin: 1150–1200;Middle Englishseme < Old Norsesœma to befit, beseem, derivative of sœmr fitting, seemly; akin to sōmi honor
Synonyms 4. 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.
c.1200, from O.N. soema "to befit, conform to," and soemr "fitting, seemly," from P.Gmc. *som- (cf. O.E. som "agreement, reconciliation," seman "to conciliate"), related to P.Gmc. *samon (see same).