seemed

Seem is a verb in English that means to give the impression of being, doing, or belonging to a certain state, often based on appearance or incomplete information rather than certainty. It is used to describe perception, inference, or softened statements about reality.

Form and usage: Seem takes standard present tense forms (it seems, they seem) and forms the past tense and past participle as 'seemed'. It is used with infinitives (seem to do something), with that-clauses (It seems that...), and with comparative phrases (as if/as though). It can also be followed by adjectives or nouns (She seems tired; They seem a good team). Questions and negations are formed with do-support (Does she seem well? It does not seem so).

Semantics and hedging: 'Seem' signals inference or lack of complete certainty. It softens assertions, aligns with polite or cautious speech, and often precedes statements of opinion rather than fact. Its use can indicate that evidence is indirect or subjective.

Related forms: 'Seeming' functions as a noun or adjective (the seeming contradiction), while 'seemingly' is an adverb meaning 'apparently' or 'on the surface.'

Etymology: The word is of Germanic origin and has cognates in other Germanic languages; its precise lineage traces to Old English and Proto-Germanic roots, reflecting the sense of appearance or impression.

Examples: It seems cold outside. It seemed that we were late. Seem to be having trouble. She seems happy. These examples show how 'seem' conveys perception or inference rather than definitive fact.