Etymology Map
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Appear

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to come into sight; to seem

Where does the word "appear" come from? It comes from Latin apparere, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
apparere
Latin · ancient
"to come into view"
'ad-' plus 'parere', to show oneself
2
Stage 2 of 3
aparoir
Old French · medieval
"to appear"
the same root gives 'apparent' and 'apparition'
3
Stage 3 of 3
appear
English · 1200s
"to become visible"
'appearance' followed
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Read the full story

Appear’s story begins in Latin: apparere meant “to come into view.” 'ad-' plus 'parere', to show oneself. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as aparoir. The same root gives 'apparent' and 'apparition'. It reached English by 1200s as appear. 'appearance' followed. Today, appear means to come into sight; to seem.