2006-08-26 12:02:49 · 7 answers · asked by Butterfly 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
seem is a verb. look like is not.
2006-08-26 12:06:16 · answer #1 · answered by barrabas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm. A bit of context would help. There is a difference and it can appear quite subtle at times.
If something 'looks like' something else then it is similar in appearance.
If something 'seems' like something then this may not be in pure appearance. A concept could seem very much like another concept (say anarchy to nihilism) but we wouldn't necessarily say they 'look like' each other. But my brother might both 'look like' me and seem like me.
There is a difference but the two terms can be interchangeable on occasion. 'Seem' would seem to cover more situations.
2006-08-26 19:09:47 · answer #2 · answered by Sean R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
G'day Dree,
Thank you for your question.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines seem as 1. To give the impression of being; appear: The child seems healthy, but the doctor is concerned.
2. To appear to one's own opinion or mind: I can't seem to get the story straight.
3. To appear to be true, probable, or evident: It seems you object to the plan. It seems like rain. He seems to have worked in sales for several years.
4. To appear to exist: There seems no reason to postpone it.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English semen, from Old Norse sma, to conform to, from smr, fitting; see sem- 1 in Indo-European roots
SYNONYMS:
seem , appear , look
These verbs mean to present the appearance of being: seems angry; appears skeptical; looks happy.
Thesaurus: synonyms for seem
Its definition is wider than looks like which refers to visual appearance.
I enclose a source for your reference.
Regards
2006-08-26 19:14:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seem is not a "blaming" word; it is more politically correct. Look like is more visual. It "seems" to be more blaming because it is the way one is interpreting by visual means. Seem is more perception. Hope that helps.
2006-08-26 19:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by nanawnuts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Look like" means that something VISUALLY resembles something else. "Seems" means that something resembles something else, but in a broader sense. Something could seem like something else in the way it looks, sounds, feels, smells, etc.
2006-08-26 19:06:12 · answer #5 · answered by MissM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Seem' means something appears to be another thing but it could be deceiving: eg- that potato seems to be a pumpkin.
'Looks like' means something resembles another thing: eg- that potato looks like a pumpkin.
2006-08-26 19:09:05 · answer #6 · answered by whatever99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same-a ting, I tink..
2006-08-26 19:06:21 · answer #7 · answered by MIGHTY MINNIE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋