Definition and meaning of English word "seem"
seem
/siːm/
Meaning
VerbTo appear; to look outwardly; to be perceived as.
How to use
The verb 'seem' is often used to express an appearance or impression. A common mistake learners make is using 'seem' with an adjective without a linking verb; 'seem' itself acts as a linking verb. For example, 'he seems happy' is correct, but 'he seems being happy' is incorrect.
🇬🇧 English
seem
Example
It seems cold.
He seems happy.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- seem to be— seem to be
- it seems that— it seems that
- seem like— seem like
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #528 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "seem" mean?▼
The English word "seem" means "seem" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "seem"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "seem" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "seem"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "appear to be" (which translates as "seem").
More Core Verbs words
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