Appearance is the way someone or something looks on the outside, or the act of coming into view or public notice.
From Old French "aparoir" meaning "to come into view," based on Latin "apparere" (to appear). The word connects how things look with the very act of showing up.
Appearance can mean both “how it really looks” and “how it seems, maybe falsely,” which is why we say “don’t judge by appearances.” The word quietly reminds us that what shows up isn’t always what’s true.
Appearance has historically been policed more strictly for women and gender minorities, with social and economic penalties for not meeting gendered beauty norms. Language about "appearance" has often been used to judge women's competence or worth more harshly than men's.
Use "appearance" descriptively rather than judgmentally, and avoid tying a person's value or credibility to how they look. When possible, focus on function and comfort over conformity to gendered expectations.
["visual presentation","outward look","visible features"]
When discussing standards of appearance in workplaces or media, acknowledge the disproportionate scrutiny faced by women and gender-diverse people and highlight efforts to broaden representation.
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