French word

apparence

Pronunciation

IPA/apaʁɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nounappearance

Example

L'apparence compte parfois.

Appearance sometimes matters.

Illustration for apparence (appearance)

More examples

Il faut parfois sauver les apparences.

Sometimes you have to save face.

Core concept

A person's or object's visible surface, forming the picture noticed before deeper qualities are known.

Common phrases

  • sauver les apparences

    save face

  • se fier aux apparences

    trust appearances

Similar words

air: An atmosphere suggested by someone's outward appearance or expression.
aspect: The visible side or outward appearance of a person or thing.
image: The visual figure or impression presented by a person or thing.

Definition in French

Aspect extérieur sous lequel une personne ou une chose est perçue, souvent lié à la première impression visuelle.

Word origin

French apparence comes through Middle French from Latin apparentia, based on apparere, meaning 'to appear' or 'be visible'.

Usage tips

  • Apparence is feminine, so the usual form is 'l'apparence', with the article elided before the vowel.

Other meanings

  • looksnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word