seem

/si:m/

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Understanding the Word "Seem"

Definition:
The verb "seem" is used to express how something appears or gives the impression of being, especially according to one's own opinion or observation. It often suggests uncertainty or a lack of full knowledge about the situation.

Usage Instructions:

• "Seem" is typically followed by an adjective or a noun. For example:

  • Adjective: "It seems happy."
  • Noun: "It seems like a good idea."

• The structure is often: Subject + seem + adjective/noun.

Examples:

1. Personal Opinion:

   • "I seem to be misunderstood by everyone." (This means that I feel that others do not understand me.)

2. General Observation:

   • "There seems to be a problem with the car." (This means that it appears there is a problem, but I might not be sure.)

3. Probable Situation:

   • "It seems that he is very talented." (This indicates that it appears to be true that he has talent.)

4. Impression:

   • "She seems to be sleeping." (This means she gives the impression of being asleep.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Seem" can also be used in more complex sentences where it connects ideas:

  • "Although he seems tired, he will continue to work hard."

• You can use "seem" to express doubt:

  • "It seems unlikely that they will arrive on time."

Word Variants:

• Seeming (adjective): Appearing to be true but not necessarily so.

  • Example: "His seeming confidence was misleading."

• Seemingly (adverb): In a way that appears to be true but may not be.

  • Example: "She is seemingly happy, but I think she is hiding her feelings."

Different Meanings:

• "Seem" primarily refers to appearance or impression but can imply a level of uncertainty about what you are describing. It does not assert that something is definitively true.

Synonyms:

• Appear
• Look
• Give the impression of
• Resemble

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Seem to be:
  This phrase is often used to express an observation.

  • Example: "He seems to be in a good mood today."

• It seems like:
  Used to start a sentence that presents an opinion or observation.

  • Example: "It seems like they are enjoying the party."

Summary

"Seem" is a versatile verb that helps us express impressions and opinions about how things appear.

Academic

Verb

1. appear to one's own mind or opinion
   • I seem to be misunderstood by everyone
   • I can't seem to learn these Chinese characters
2. appear to exist
   • There seems no reason to go ahead with the project now
3. seem to be true, probable, or apparent
   • It seems that he is very gifted
   • It appears that the weather in California is very bad
4. give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
   • She seems to be sleeping
   • This appears to be a very difficult problem
   • This project looks fishy
   • They appeared like people who had not eaten or slept for a long time

Synonyms

• appear
• look