Difference between look and appear

[Sameer]

Test No. incompl/elem-22 "Weather Forecast", question 2

Yes, thank you and I'm afraid it's not ......... very bright at the moment.

(a) seeming
(b) appearing
(c) seeing
(d) looking

Test No. incompl/elem-22 "Weather Forecast", answer 2

Yes, thank you and I'm afraid it's not looking very bright at the moment.

Correct answer: (d) looking

Your answer was: incorrect
Yes, thank you and I'm afraid it's not appearing very bright at the moment.
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what is the difference between the two:appearing and looking

[Alan]

Appear is another word for seem - something which shows itself gradually/slowly can appear. The sun appears over the horizon and note the opposite: disappear.

Look is more direct and explains something which you can see immediately.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice

[Nataliru]

Dear teachers,

Thank you for this sentence, but can I ask a question? Some grammar books say 'look' is a state verb and can't be used in Continuous. But here the situation is obviously temporary, changing. That is why it is possible? Am I right?

Many thanks in advance.

[Nola]

Hi Nataliru,
The verb look in the example (It is not looking very bright at the moment.) means (It doesn't seem to be very bright)
On the other side, we can use the verb look in continuous actions. E.G. wait a minute! I'm looking for my pen.
And also we have some other phrases like: I'm looking forward to meeting you.
Let me know what you think,

Nola