noun
plural -ances
somewhat formal :the way that someone or something looks [count]
[count] :a way of looking that is not true or real
[count] :the action of appearing :the fact that something or someone arrives or begins to be seen - usually singular
[count] :the time when something begins to exist or is seen for the first time - usually singular
[count] :an act of being seen or heard by the public as an actor, politician, athlete, etc.
[count] :the formal act of going in front of a person or group to speak, answer questions, etc.
keep up appearances
to hide something bad by pretending that nothing is wrong
make an appearance
or put in an appearance
to go to an event, gathering, etc., usually for a short period of time