Appearance or Appearence
Which Spelling is Correct?
Confused between "appearance" and "appearence"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Appearence
"Appearence" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "appearance" with two "p"s and two "r"s.
Correct: Appearance
"Appearance" is the correct spelling. It means the way something looks or seems to be.
Definitions
Appearance (noun):
The way something or someone looks; the outward aspect or form of something.
Examples:
- • Her appearance was neat and professional.
- • The building's appearance has changed over the years.
- • Don't judge by appearance alone.
Appearence (noun):
"Appearence" is a misspelling of "appearance" and is not a valid English word.
Examples:
- • "Appearence" is not used in standard English.
- • Always use appearance when referring to looks.
Synonyms
Appearance:
- • Look
- • Aspect
- • Form
- • Image
- • Presentation
- • Outward
- • Visage
Appearence:
- • (No valid synonyms; not a standard English word)
Usage Notes
Important Points:
- • Appearance is spelled with two "p"s and two "r"s.
- • Used to describe how something or someone looks.
- • Can refer to physical looks or outward impressions.
- • The word comes from the verb "appear" + the suffix "-ance."
- • "Appearence" is never correct in any context.
- • Often used in phrases like "appearance of" or "make an appearance."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "appearence" ever correct?
A: No, "appearence" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "appearance" with two "p"s and two "r"s.
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of it as "ap-pear-ance" - it's the noun form of "appear" with "-ance" added.
Q: What's the difference between appearance and look?
A: Both refer to how something appears, but "appearance" is more formal and can refer to broader impressions.
Q: Can appearance be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "appearance" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing contexts.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "appearence" likely occurs because of confusion about the double consonants or pronunciation.
Q: What are some common phrases using "appearance"?
A: Examples include: appearance of, make an appearance, physical appearance, and public appearance.
Q: Is appearance always about physical looks?
A: No, "appearance" can refer to how something seems or appears to be, not just physical appearance.
Q: Can appearance be used as a verb?
A: No, "appearance" is a noun. The verb form is "appear" (to appear somewhere).
Summary
Remember: Appearance is the correct spelling with two "p"s and two "r"s. It means the way something or someone looks or seems to be. The misspelling "appearence" is never correct. Use "appearance" to describe looks or outward impressions.