What is apparent? Pronunciation and usage in English

apparent means . Learn how to pronounce and use apparent through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of apparent

apparentadjective

/əˈparənt//əˈpɛːrənt/
Definition & pronunciation of apparent

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "apparent." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "App-": This part sounds like "ap" as in "apple."
  • "-arent": This is the tricky part. It's a diphthong, meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds. It roughly sounds like "uh-rent."

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: "uh-PAIR-ent"

Let's break that down further:

  • "uh": A short, relaxed "uh" sound, like the "u" in "but."
  • "PAIR": Rhymes with "hair." This syllable is stressed.
  • "ent": As in "went" or "sent."

3. Emphasis:

The emphasis (the part you stress) is on the "PAIR" syllable.

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "ap-pear-ent." That's a very common mistake. You're blending the vowels incorrectly.
  • Don't over-articulate the "rent" sound. It's not a sharp "r" sound. It’s a smooth glide.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear native speakers. Here are a few resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "apparent" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/apparent/ (This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce apparent" on YouTube.

Resources to help you listen:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word apparent in English

Let's break down how to use the word "apparent" in English. It's a versatile word with a few slightly different nuances, but generally it means "clearly seen or understood" or "seemingly true."

1. Meaning: Clearly Seen or Understood

This is the most common usage. "Apparent" describes something that seems to be true based on initial observation or evidence, but might need further investigation.

  • Example 1: "There was an apparent contradiction in his statement." (Meaning: It looked like there was a contradiction, but we needed to examine it further.)
  • Example 2: "The sky was apparent blue." (Meaning: The blue color was clearly visible.)
  • Example 3: "The apparent cause of the accident is driver error." (Meaning: Driver error appears to be the reason, but a full investigation is needed.)
  • Example 4: "His apparent enthusiasm for the project was a little unsettling." (Meaning: He seemed enthusiastic, but something about it felt strange.)

2. Meaning: Seemingly True (Often with a hint of doubt)

Sometimes “apparent” implies that something seems true, but there's a possibility it's not. It suggests a superficial or preliminary judgment.

  • Example 1: "An apparent solution to the problem was proposed, but it was quickly dismissed." (Meaning: It seemed like a solution, but it wasn’t actually a good one.)
  • Example 2: "There's an apparent sense of urgency in the room." (Meaning: People seem to be acting urgently, but we don't know for sure why.)

3. “Apparent” as an Adjective – Describing Appearance or Impression

It’s frequently used as an adjective.

  • Example: "She had an apparent sadness in her eyes." (Meaning: The sadness was obvious and visible.)
  • Example: "The building had an apparent grandeur." (Meaning: It looked grand and impressive.)

Key Points & Synonyms:

  • Often used with "seem" or "appear": You’ll frequently find "apparent" used in constructions like "it appears that…" or "it seems that…" These phrases reinforce the sense of a preliminary judgment.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could also use words like: obvious, evident, visible, apparent, noticeable, clear.

How to Choose the Right Usage:

Think about whether you're emphasizing that something is clearly seen/understood or that it seems to be true but might not be entirely accurate.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "apparent" is used in a specific sentence?
  • Help you practice using "apparent" in your own writing?

Synonyms for the word apparent

Practice with vocabulary apparent

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The reasons for his sudden resignation were not immediately __________.
  2. It was __________ that she had put a lot of effort into the presentation.
  3. The solution to the problem seemed __________ after careful analysis.
  4. His enthusiasm for the project was __________, as he spoke about it passionately.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The lack of progress in the project was __________ to everyone in the team.
    a) apparent
    b) obvious
    c) hidden
    d) unclear

  2. Which word best describes something that is easily seen or understood?
    a) ambiguous
    b) apparent
    c) concealed
    d) vague

  3. The __________ reason for the delay was poor planning.
    a) apparent
    b) obscure
    c) visible
    d) indistinct

  4. The results of the experiment were __________, leaving the team confused.
    a) unclear
    b) apparent
    c) obvious
    d) evident

  5. Which word is NOT a synonym of "obvious"?
    a) apparent
    b) clear
    c) hidden
    d) evident

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was clear that the team had worked hard on the proposal.
  2. The difference in quality between the two products is easy to see.
  3. Her disappointment was obvious when she received the news.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. apparent
  2. apparent
  3. reasonable
  4. evident

Exercise 2:

  1. a) apparent, b) obvious
  2. b) apparent
  3. a) apparent
  4. a) unclear
  5. c) hidden

Exercise 3:

  1. It was apparent that the team had worked hard on the proposal.
  2. The difference in quality between the two products is apparent.
  3. Her disappointment was evident when she received the news.

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