Appearance Meaning
Appearance Definition & Usage
The outward or visible traits, features, or looks of something or someone, often considered in contrast to internal qualities or the essence.
Examples
- "She had a graceful appearance, with bright eyes and a warm smile."
- "The appearance of the house had changed dramatically after the renovation."
- "His appearance in the meeting surprised everyone, as he hadn't been expected."
- "The appearance of the sky at dusk is breathtaking, with hues of pink and purple."
- "Although her appearance is calm, she is feeling quite stressed."
The act or process of becoming visible or making an appearance.
Examples
- "The sudden appearance of a new store in town generated a lot of interest."
- "The appearance of the comet was a rare and exciting event."
- "The appearance of the actor at the press conference drew a crowd."
- "Her appearance at the event was unexpected but greatly appreciated."
- "The appearance of the moon behind the clouds was a spectacular sight."
A superficial or surface-level impression, often used to describe how something or someone is perceived based on external factors rather than internal qualities.
Examples
- "He was concerned with maintaining a professional appearance at all times."
- "The appearance of the company’s website suggested a modern, high-tech business."
- "Her appearance at the interview was immaculate, but her resume needed work."
- "The appearance of the meal was stunning, though the taste did not live up to expectations."
- "In some cultures, appearance is considered more important than actual ability."
Cultural Context
The term 'appearance' can be culturally charged, often emphasizing the importance of how people or things are perceived externally. In many cultures, personal appearance plays a significant role in social interactions and can influence first impressions in professional or casual settings.
The Appearance of Things
Story
The Appearance of Things
Samantha had always prided herself on her appearance. She spent hours picking out the perfect outfits for work, believing that a sharp exterior would help her land the big clients she dreamed of. This morning, as she walked into the office, her reflection in the glass doors gave her the familiar confidence she had come to rely on. The crisp suit, the polished shoes—it all came together, a perfect visual cue for the professional she wanted the world to see. But that morning, something unexpected happened. As she entered the conference room for her important meeting with a potential client, she noticed a slight shift in the room's atmosphere. The client, Mr. Harris, was busy on his phone, his back to her. The awkward pause as she waited for him to acknowledge her seemed to stretch on forever. It wasn't until he turned around that she realized—he wasn’t even looking at her. 'Good morning, Samantha,' he said, his eyes not on her appearance, but on the notes he had taken. His lack of reaction to her meticulously curated appearance unsettled her. The meeting continued with Mr. Harris speaking in a tone that made it clear he was more interested in the substance of her ideas than in how she looked. This realization came as a small shock to Samantha. As she drove home later that afternoon, the meaning of 'appearance' shifted in her mind. The way things looked—the polished facade she had so carefully crafted—didn’t seem to matter as much as she once believed. That evening, as she prepared for a dinner date with her best friend, Jessica, Samantha decided to go for comfort over perfection. She chose a casual outfit and wore her hair in a simple ponytail. Jessica, ever the observant one, noticed the change immediately. 'Wow, you look so different today,' she remarked. 'You seem... more relaxed.' Samantha smiled, finally understanding that true appearance wasn’t just about how others perceived you—it was about how you felt in your own skin. In the end, Samantha realized, it wasn’t the polished exterior that truly mattered; it was the authenticity that lay beneath the surface.
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