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
Synonym Usage
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
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”
Explanation
Seem means "to give a certain impression," usually by physical appearance like your messy hair and wrinkled clothing that made it seem like you just rolled out of bed. The verb seem has several definitions. It can mean "to be apparent, or probable," like the nice person you just met who seems like he'll make a good friend. Seem can also mean "to appear to exist," like when heat shimmering on pavement makes it seem like there is a puddle on the road. The word comes from the Old Norse word soema meaning "to befit, conform to."
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.
This may seem admirable, but only if you ignore that you’re being treated like a 9-year-old.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
Instead, it offers a way to reconcile two observations that seem to conflict.
From Science Daily • May 29, 2026
Though Bianco’s followers seem to be more passionate, “Hilton has got the much broader base of support, and then he got Trump’s endorsement,” DiCamillo said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
But she feels things aren't always as organic as they seem.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
She didn’t seem to think much of the poem.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
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.
