French word

apparition

Pronunciation

IPA/apaʁisjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounappearance

Example

Son apparition sur scène a fait se lever la foule.

His appearance on stage got the crowd to its feet.

Illustration for apparition (appearance)

More examples

Elle a fait une apparition brève à la fête.

She made a brief appearance at the party.

Core concept

A short entrance into view that draws attention, whether made by a person or caused by something uncanny.

Common phrases

  • faire une apparition

    make an appearance

  • une apparition soudaine

    a sudden appearance

Similar words

entrée: The act of entering a stage or venue from its entrance.
arrivée: The arrival of a person or vehicle at its destination.
passage: A brief passage through a place.
présence: The state of being in a place for a period of time.

Definition in French

Fait d'apparaître ou de se montrer, généralement de façon brève ; désigne une apparition visible, une entrée rapide en scène ou, par extension, un phénomène perçu comme surnaturel.

Word origin

The French noun is inherited from Latin apparitio and remains closely related to the verb apparaître, to appear.

Usage tips

  • The expression faire son apparition often marks a first or notable arrival, whereas faire une apparition emphasizes a brief visit or appearance.

Other meanings

  • ghostnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word