appear

*naked eye

the human eye, unassisted by optics, such as a telescope, microscope, or spectacles. (*Typically: appear to ~; look to ~; see with ~; visible to~.) I can't see the bird's markings with the naked eye. The scientist could see nothing in the liquid with the naked eye, but with the aid of a microscope, she identified the bacteria. That's how it appears to the naked eye.

See also: eye, naked

*out of nowhere

appearing suddenly, without warning. (*Typically: appear ~; come ~; materialize ~.) A huge bear appeared out of nowhere and roared and threatened us. Suddenly, a truck came out of nowhere. Without warning, the storm came out of nowhere.

See also: nowhere, out

*rooted to the spot

Fig. unable to move because of fear or surprise. (*Typically: appear to be ~; be ~;become ~.) Jane stood rooted to the spot when she saw the ghostly figure. Mary stood rooted to the spot when the thief snatched her bag.

See also: root, spot

appear (up)on something

to arrive and be seen on something. (Upon is more formal and less commonly used than on.) A fly appeared on the sterile bandages. A small bird appeared on our mailbox.

appear as something 

1. to act a certain part in a play, opera, etc. Madame Smith-Franklin appeared as Carmen at the City Opera last season. The actor refused to appear as a villain in the play.

2. [for something] to be seen or occur in a particular form or with particular characteristics. The tumors appear as shadows on the X-ray. The first signs of the disease appear as a fever and a rash.

appear at some time

to arrive at a particular time. I am due to appear at the council at noon. I will appear at the meeting whenever my plane gets in.

See also: some, time

appear before someone 

1. to show up in the presence of someone, suddenly. The deer appeared before us with no sound or other warning. A frightful specter appeared before me.

2. to have a trial or hearing with a particular judge or court. You have to appear before Judge Cahill tomorrow. Have you ever appeared before the Supreme Court?

See also: before

appear before something

to arrive in advance of the appointed time or before some event. Please appear at least ten minutes before you are due. It is best to appear shortly before the time of your interview.

See also: before

appear for someone

to represent or substitute for a person who is absent. I will appear for you in the council. Who is going to appear for my lawyer, who is ill?

appear in something 

1. to be seen in some performance. The singer will appear in the opera with the rest of the chorus. I will appear in Aida.

2. to be seen wearing something. I wouldn't appear in that in public! Would you want to appear in a wrinkled suit?

appear in court

to go to a court of law as a participant. She has to appear in court tomorrow. I have to appear in court for my traffic violation.

See also: court

appear to someone

[for something] to make an appearance before someone. My late grandmother appeared to me in a dream.

appear to someone (that...)

Fig. to seem to someone that... It appears to me that you are always late.

appear under the name of (some name)

[for an actor] to perform under a special name. She is appearing under the name of Fifi. I appeared under the stage name Rex Righteous.

See also: name

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rooted to the spot

not able to move Mary was afraid and wanted to run away, but she was rooted to the spot and watched as the building collapsed.

See also: root, spot