seem

American  

[seem] / sim /

verb (used without object)

1. 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.

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seem British  

/ siːm /

verb

1. (copula) to appear to the mind or eye; look

   this seems nice

   the car seems to be running well

2. to give the impression of existing; appear to be

   there seems no need for all this nonsense

3. 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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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”

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

“Markets seem to be discounting AI-induced productivity growth,” said analysts at 22V Research in a report Tuesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

But for now, stock markets seem to assume that peace will eventually prevail, and lots of big companies are continuing to make more money than investors were expecting.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

This film is also about the band’s legacy, even if some of the band members seem a little uncomfortable hearing that word applied to the Lunachicks.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

While the report isn’t confirmed, investors seem nervous about the unknowns, such as whether the chip design would be Arm-based or if it won’t involve the company at all.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

He knew that the Hidden People live inside rocks and rivers, just as the clans live in shelters, and that they seem beautiful until they turn their backs, which are hollow as rotten trees.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

• imply
• look
• show
• sound
• suggest