Meaning of Apparent

The word apparent is an adjective that means:

  1. Clearly visible or obvious – Easily seen or understood.
  2. Seeming to be real or true, but not necessarily so – Appearing to be true without actual proof.

Example Sentences:

  • The apparent cause of the accident was a mechanical failure.
  • Despite his apparent confidence, he was quite nervous.
  • The solution to the problem was not immediately apparent.

Synonyms for Apparent

Strongest Matches (Exact or Very Close in Meaning)

  • Evident – Clearly seen or understood.
  • Obvious – Easily perceived or understood.
  • Clear – Free from confusion or doubt.
  • Manifest – Readily perceived by the senses or mind.
  • Noticeable – Easily seen or observed.

Strong Matches (Similar in Meaning, but with Slight Variations)

  • Seeming – Appearing to be something but not necessarily so.
  • Superficial – Existing or occurring at the surface.
  • Transparent – Easily understood; obvious.
  • Overt – Done openly without concealment.
  • Discernible – Able to be perceived.

Weak Matches (Contextually Related but Less Precise)

  • Illusory – Based on illusion; not real.
  • Dubious – Hesitating or doubting.
  • Vague – Unclear or uncertain.
  • Ambiguous – Open to more than one interpretation.
  • Implicit – Implied rather than expressly stated.

Contextual Usage of Apparent

Formal Usage:

  • “The apparent discrepancy in the data requires further investigation.”
  • “His apparent disregard for the rules raised concerns among the officials.”

Informal Usage:

  • “It’s pretty apparent that she likes him.”
  • “The answer wasn’t immediately apparent, but we figured it out.”

Scientific & Technical Usage:

  • “The apparent magnitude of a star depends on its distance from Earth.”
  • “The medication had no apparent side effects in the trial.”

Business & Legal Usage:

  • “There was an apparent conflict of interest in the merger deal.”
  • “The contract had no apparent loopholes.”

Related Words and Phrases

  • Apparency (noun) – The state of being apparent.
  • Apparentness (noun) – The quality of being apparent.
  • Apparently (adverb) – As far as one knows or can see.
  • Apparent contradiction – Something that seems to contradict but may not.
  • Apparent reason – A visible or obvious reason.

Additional Information

Etymology: The word “apparent” comes from the Latin apparentem, the present participle of apparere, meaning “to appear.”

Common Collocations:

  • Apparent reason (e.g., “There was no apparent reason for his anger.”)
  • Apparent contradiction (e.g., “His words and actions were in apparent contradiction.”)
  • Apparent success (e.g., “The project was an apparent success initially.”)

Disclaimer

The definitions, synonyms, and contextual usages provided on this page are for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, language is constantly evolving, and meanings may vary based on context. If you require precise interpretations, consult a linguistics expert or dictionary.