b [pl.] 形勢, 状況, 情勢 (circumstances).

・Appearances are against you [in your favor]. 形勢は君に不利[有利]だ.

・Appearances are that…. 情勢は…だ.

3a 見せ掛け, ふり (semblance).

・assume [give, put on] an appearance of loyalty [being loyal] 忠実なふりをする[を装う].

・give murder the appearance of suicide 殺人を自殺と見せ掛ける.

b [pl.] 体面, 体裁, 見栄.

・for the sake of appearances＝for appearances' sake 体面上, 体裁に, 見栄のために.

・keep up [save] appearances 体面を保つ[繕う], 見栄を張る.

4a (作家などが)世に出ること, 現れること.