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

It helps that valuations for several of the stocks in this quartet now seem reasonable.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

When cooked, it forms a lightly tangy, almost caramelized coating that makes it seem like you put in more effort than you did.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

That may not seem like much, but market bulls who pay attention to valuation indicators have little to go on right now.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Did it seem like something had come off your fastball?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Clare laughed, but Gingersnipes did not seem to find it funny.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• imply
• look
• show
• sound
• suggest