seem
[verb]
Synonyms: appear, assume, give the impression, look

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Related Idioms: have (or show) every sign of, have the earmarks of
Related Words: resemble, suggest, hint, imply, insinuate, intimate

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

seem S1 W1 /siːm/ verb [linking verb, not in progressive]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old Norse; Origin: sœma 'to be appropriate to', from sœmr 'appropriate']

1. if something seems to be true, there are qualities or facts that make people think it is true:
Ann didn’t seem very sure.
It seems a foolish decision now.
seem to do something
The rainbow seemed to end on the hillside.
seem important/right/strange etc to somebody
Doesn’t that seem weird to you?
it seems to somebody (that)
It seems to me you don’t have much choice.
it seems (that)
It seemed that Freeman had killed the man, and dumped the body in the lake.
it seems likely/unlikely/reasonable/clear (that)
It seems likely that he will miss Ireland’s next match.
seem like
Teri seemed like a nice girl.
Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
We waited for what seemed like hours.
seem as if/as though/like
It seemed as if the end of the world had come.
It seems like you’re catching a cold, Taylor.
‘So Bill’s leaving her?’ ‘So it seems (=that seems to be true).’

REGISTER
In written English, people often prefer to use appear rather than seem, because it is more formal:
It appears that the man had been murdered.

2. can’t/couldn’t seem to do something used to say that you have tried to do something but cannot do it:
I just can’t seem to relax.

3. used to make what you are saying less strong or certain, and more polite
seem to do something
I seem to have lost my car keys.
it seems (that)/it would seem (that)
It would seem that someone left the building unlocked.


GRAMMAR
Seem can be followed by an adjective or by an adjective and noun:
She seemed happy.
He seems a nice man.
Seem can also be followed by like and a noun or by like and an adjective and noun:
It seemed like a miracle.
He seems like a nice man.
Seem can also be followed by a verb in the infinitive:
His story seems to be true.
► Seem can be followed by as if or as though but not just by as:
It seems a small thing (NOT It seems as a small thing), but it’s very important.
It seemed as if he wanted us to leave (NOT It seemed as he wanted ...).

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

seem
verb
1.
DUBIOUS: Even the teacher seemed to be unable to answer the question.
GOOD: Even the teacher seemed unable to answer the question.
DUBIOUS: She seemed to be sorry for causing so much trouble.
GOOD: She seemed sorry for causing so much trouble.

Usage Note:
When seem is followed by an adjective, to be is usually avoided: 'After the guests had gone home, the room seemed empty.' 'It seems strange that she didn't say goodbye.'
Compare: 'There seems to be a problem with the carburettor.'

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2.
DUBIOUS: 'Steel Magnolias' seemed to be a comedy at first.
GOOD: 'Steel Magnolias' seemed like a comedy at first.
DUBIOUS: This kind of diet seems to be a punishment.
GOOD: This kind of diet seems like a punishment.

Usage Note:
When you are making a comparison, use seem like : 'Suddenly she seemed like a complete stranger.' 'The last few days had seemed like a dream.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲