to seem
Give the impression
To seem is to appear or give the impression of being something without necessarily being it.
The word creates distance between appearance and reality: He seems honest leaves room for doubt that He is honest does not.
Seem often softens assertions: It seems we have a problem.
Things can seem one way to someone: The task seemed impossible at first.
Seemingly means apparently.
- appearBecome perceptible to sight
- lookDirect one's gaze
- looks likeAppears to be
- feelPerceive by touch
- soundAudible wave phenomenon
at first glance · suggest · as if · resemble · pretend · put on airs · impression · on the surface · illusion · smoke and mirrors · trick of the light · surface · facade · guise · apparent · perceive · strike · come across