Appear and look refer to what manifests itself to the senses; to a semblance or probability presented directly to the mind. Seem applies to what is ma more..Appear and look refer to what manifests itself to the senses; to a semblance or probability presented directly to the mind. Seem applies to what is manifest to the mind on reflection. It suddenly appears to me that there is smoke in the distance; as I watch, it looks like a fire; from my knowledge of the locality and observation of particulars, it seems to me a farmhouse must be burning.(noun)