What is seem? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of seem

seemverb

/siːm/
Definition & pronunciation of seem

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "seem" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links to help you hear it:

The most common pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈsiːm (This is the standard pronunciation)

    • ˈ (This is a stress mark. It indicates that the first syllable is emphasized.)
    • si - pronounced like the "see" in "see"
    • m - pronounced like the letter "m"

The pronunciation in British English:

  • siːm (This is slightly more subtle)

    • siː - The "ee" sound is similar to the "ee" in "see" or "meet".
    • m - pronounced like the letter "m"

Here are some resources to help you hear the difference:

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Emphasis: Make sure you stress the first syllable ("si").
  • "ee" sound: For both American and British English, hold the "ee" sound for a short, crisp duration.

To help me tailor the explanation further, would you like me to:

  • Focus on a specific regional accent (e.g., British, Australian)?

Usage and examples with the word seem in English

Let's break down how to use the word "seem" effectively in English. It’s a versatile word that often gets confused with "appear," but there are subtle differences.

1. Basic Meaning: To Appear or Give the Impression

At its core, "seem" means to give the impression of something. It's about how something appears rather than necessarily what it actually is.

  • Example: "He seems happy." (He appears happy, but we don't know for sure if he's genuinely happy.)
  • Example: "The weather seems cold today." (It appears cold, but the temperature might not be that low.)

2. Common Usage Patterns

Here’s how “seem” is most frequently used, broken down into different structures:

  • "It seems that..." / "It seems to me that...": This is a very common way to introduce an opinion or a deduction. It’s polite and acknowledges that it’s your interpretation.

    • Example: "It seems that the train is delayed." (You've observed a delay and are presenting it as a likely conclusion.)
    • Example: “It seems to me that we should apologize.” (Your opinion on what action is appropriate).

  • "He/She/They seem + adjective": This describes someone's personality, mood, or condition.

    • Example: "She seems tired." (She appears to be tired, possibly due to lack of sleep.)
    • Example: "He seems confident." (He gives the impression of confidence.)

  • "As if/as though + he/she/they seem + verb in -ing form": This construction describes something appearing to be happening, but you're not certain.

    • Example: “He seems to be arguing with someone." (He appears to be in an argument--you’re observing the action of arguing, but not necessarily knowing for sure if it’s happening.)

  • "It seems as if...": Similar to "It seems that..."

    • Example: “It seems as if it’s going to rain." (Giving the impression of rain.)

3. Distinguishing "Seem" from "Appear"

While often interchangeable, there are nuances:

  • "Appear" tends to be a more direct observation of something. It's closer to the literal state of things.

    • Example: "The sky appears blue." (The sky is actually blue.)

  • "Seem" is more about the impression created.

    • Example: "The sky seems cloudy." (The sky appears cloudy, but it might just be a shadow.)

4. Adding Emphasis & Nuance

  • "It seems unlikely": Expresses doubt about something.
  • "It seems possible": Suggests something might be true or likely.
  • "It seems strange": Indicates something is unusual or unexpected.
  • "It seems clear": Indicates something is easily understood.

5. Examples in Context

  • "The evidence seems to point to his guilt." (The evidence appears to support his guilt.)
  • "She seems nervous before the presentation." (She gives the impression of being nervous.)
  • "It seems that no one wants to help." (Based on observation, it appears that no one wants to help.)

Tips for Using "Seem" Correctly

  • Consider the context: Think about what you're trying to convey – are you presenting an opinion, an observation, or a deduction?
  • Avoid overusing it: Like any word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive.
  • Combine with adjectives and adverbs: "He seems very tired" is more descriptive than "He seems tired."

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  • Compare "seem" with other similar words like "appear," "look," or "feel"?

Synonyms for the word seem

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