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Glite Dictionary
to make an appearance

to make an appearance

36 3.5
Go to an event, often briefly or in a formal way
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : aparecer
  • The celebrity decided to make an appearance at the charity gala to support the cause.
  • also make an appearance

Recently, our boy Will Compton made an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

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Examples

Synonyms

to show up
vsto make an appearance
∞ 1.4

To be seen or arrive at a place

is about arriving briefly or for ceremony rather than mere presence
to attend
vsto make an appearance
∞ 1.7

To be present at a meeting or event

is about brief or ceremonial attendance rather than regular presence
to turn up
vsto make an appearance
177 2.0

To appear after being lost or when not expected

is about planned brief or ceremonial attendance rather than surprise arrival
to come on
vsto make an appearance
82 2.1

Begin to appear or become visible

is about brief ceremonial attendance rather than theatrical entrance
to cameo
vsto make an appearance
1 5.4

To make a short appearance in a film or TV show as a special guest

is broader, meaning brief or ceremonial attendance at events

Antonyms

to avoid
∞ 1.0

To stay away from something or not do it to stop something bad from happening

to stay away
590 1.6

Keep a distance from people or things you want to avoid

How Noticeable

to make an appearance
36 3.5
to attend
∞ 1.7
to drop by
  • Informal
206 2.5

Surface Forms

make an appearance infinitive
made an appearance past
made an appearance past participle
making an appearance present participle
makes an appearance third person singular

Morphology

make + an + appearance

The meaning 'to attend or show up' is directly derivable from 'make' (to cause or perform) + 'appearance' (the act of appearing); the phrase simply describes performing an appearance. This verb + noun composition is a common, literal pattern (e.g., French faire une apparition, Spanish hacer una aparición), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Make an appearance comes from the picture of someone stepping onto a stage to make an appearance, so the audience can see them. So it means 'to attend' or 'show up' at an event, often only for a short time or for a special moment.