Appear or Apear
Which Spelling is Correct?
Confused between "appear" and "apear"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Apear
"Apear" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "appear" with two "p"s.
Correct: Appear
"Appear" is the correct spelling. It means to become visible or to seem to be something.
Definitions
Appear (verb):
To become visible; to come into sight; to seem to be something; to present oneself.
Examples:
- • The sun will appear at dawn.
- • She will appear in court tomorrow.
- • It appears to be raining outside.
Apear (verb):
"Apear" is a misspelling of "appear" and is not a valid English word.
Examples:
- • "Apear" is not used in standard English.
- • Always use appear when referring to becoming visible.
Synonyms
Appear:
- • Emerge
- • Show up
- • Surface
- • Materialize
- • Seem
- • Look
- • Present
Apear:
- • (No valid synonyms; not a standard English word)
Usage Notes
Important Points:
- • Appear is spelled with two "p"s at the beginning.
- • The word comes from Latin "apparere" meaning to appear.
- • Can mean both "become visible" and "seem to be."
- • Often used in formal contexts and legal proceedings.
- • "Apear" is never correct in any context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "apear" ever correct?
A: No, "apear" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "appear."
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of it as "app" + "ear" - appear means to make something visible to your ears (in a figurative sense).
Q: What's the difference between appear and seem?
A: Appear can mean both "become visible" and "seem to be," while seem only means to give the impression of being something.
Q: Can appear be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "appear" is very appropriate in formal writing and legal contexts.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "apear" likely occurs because of confusion about the double "p" or pronunciation.
Q: What are some common phrases using "appear"?
A: Examples include: appear in court, appear to be, and appear on stage.
Q: Is appear always about visual things?
A: No, appear can refer to anything that becomes visible or seems to be true, not just visual things.
Q: Can appear be used as a noun?
A: No, "appear" is only a verb. The noun form would be "appearance."
Summary
Remember: Appear is the correct spelling with two "p"s. It means to become visible or to seem to be something. The misspelling "apear" is never correct. Use "appear" when referring to something becoming visible or seeming to be the case.