appear, seem

When they express an internal condition or a state of being, appear and seem can be used interchangeably in many situations.

• As a couple, they appear (or seem) to bring out the best in each other.
• Lucien appeared (or seemed) upset by the reporters’ questions.
• Cory appears to be young but seems to be intelligent (or seems young but appears intelligent).

However, when the verb show up or arrive can be substituted, use appear.

• The bomb squad appeared (showed up) moments after the 911 call.
• When the coach didn’t appear for practice, the team wondered what had happened.