apparente

apparent

adjective ahp-pah-REN-teh Less Common

Origin: Latin apparens (appearing)

Also means

seeming

Usage Note

Apparente is a classic false friend — it does NOT mean 'transparent' but rather 'seeming' or 'apparent' in the sense of appearing to be true but possibly not so: 'una contraddizione apparente' (an apparent contradiction). The adverb apparentemente (apparently) is equally common. Contrast with evidente (evident, clearly visible) — apparente often implies a surface impression that may not reflect reality.

Examples

"La sua tranquillità era solo apparente."

Natural Translation

His calmness was only apparent.

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