apparent

The definition of apparent is something that is easy to see or comprehend.

(adjective)

A negative balance on a checking account is an example of an apparent lack of funds.

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See apparent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. readily seen; visible
  2. readily understood or perceived; evident; obvious
  3. appearing (but not necessarily) real or true; seeming

Origin: ME aparaunt < OFr aparant < L apparens, prp. of apparere, appear

Related Forms:

See apparent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Readily seen; visible.
  2. Readily understood; clear or obvious.
  3. Appearing as such but not necessarily so; seeming: an apparent advantage.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French aparant

Origin: , present participle of aparoir, to appear; see appear

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Related Forms:

  • ap·parˈent·ly adverb
  • ap·parˈent·ness noun
Usage Note: Used before a noun, apparent means “seeming”: For all his apparent wealth, Pat had no money to pay the rent. Used after a form of the verb be, however, apparent can mean either “seeming” (as in His virtues are only apparent) or “obvious” (as in The effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the parched fields). One should take care that the intended meaning is clear from the context.

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