appear

Everyday

1. To appear means to come into sight, to begin to be seen: a rainbow appeared. tree →
2. To appear means to seem: she appears tired. tree →
3. To appear means to be in a film, show, book or list: the actor appears in the play. tree →
4. To appear also means to come into being or to arrive: new leaves appear in spring. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: things that show up are added (more birds appear); «how many times does a number appear in the list» means count; a number that appears in a pattern. In science: stars appear at night; buds appear in spring. In stories: a ghost suddenly appeared. Phrases: appear in, appear to, it appears that, suddenly appear, appear on TV.

Examples

• 3 more birds appeared on the fence. tree →
• How many times does 5 appear in the list? tree →
• Stars appear every night. tree →
• The number 7 appears 4 times. tree →
• A rainbow appeared after the rain. tree →
• The dog appears to be asleep. tree →
• My drawing appears in the school magazine. tree →
• Suddenly a rabbit appeared from the hat. tree →
• New leaves appear on the trees in spring. tree →

Note

Noun «appearance». Opposite: disappear (dis- means the opposite). «More appear» means add. «How many times does it appear» means count. Trap: «appears to be» means seems, it may not really be so.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it can mean God showing himself to someone, or the pilgrim who "appears before" God at the Temple.

Interpretation. The command to "appear" three times a year is the pilgrimage to Jerusalem at Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, and tradition says none should come empty-handed.

Examples

• And none shall appear before Me empty. (Torah EXO.34.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. (Torah GEN.35.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD. (Torah EXO.23.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory upon their children. (Writings PSA.90.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• When the LORD hath built up Zion, when He hath appeared in His glory; (Writings PSA.102.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Therefore will I also uncover thy skirts upon thy face, and thy shame shall appear. (Prophets JER.13.26, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Noun «appearance». Opposite: disappear (dis- means the opposite). «More appear» means add. «How many times does it appear» means count. Trap: «appears to be» means seems, it may not really be so.