The difference between Appear and Occur
When used as verbs, appear means to come or be in sight, whereas occur means to happen or take place.
check bellow for the other definitions of Appear and Occur
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Appear as a verb (intransitive):
To come or be in sight; to be in view; to become visible.
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Appear as a verb (intransitive):
To come before the public.
Examples:
"A great writer appeared at that time."
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Appear as a verb (intransitive):
To stand in presence of some authority, tribunal, or superior person, to answer a charge, plead a cause, etc.; to present oneself as a party or advocate before a court, or as a person to be tried.
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Appear as a verb (intransitive):
To become visible to the apprehension of the mind; to be known as a subject of observation or comprehension, or as a thing proved; to be obvious or manifest.
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Appear as a verb (intransitive, copulative):
To seem; to have a certain semblance; to look.
Examples:
"He appeared quite happy with the result."
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Appear as a verb (transitive):
To bring into view.
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Occur as a verb (intransitive):
To happen or take place.
Examples:
"The liftoff will occur in exactly twelve seconds."
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Occur as a verb (intransitive):
To present or offer itself.
Examples:
"I will write if the opportunity occurs."
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Occur as a verb (impersonal):
To come or be presented to the mind; to suggest itself.
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Occur as a verb (intransitive, sciences):
To be present or found.
Examples:
"The chemical monofluoroacetate occurs in all parts of ''Dichapetalum cymosum'', and is responsible for its toxic effects."