显得 (xiǎn de) is a verb meaning 'to appear' or 'to seem', used to describe how something presents itself subjectively — often based on perception, impression, or contrast. The first character 显 (xiǎn) means 'to show' or 'to reveal', while 得 (de) here functions as a structural particle indicating result or degree, not the potential complement 'de'. Together, they form a compound expressing how something comes across visually, emotionally, or situationally — for example, how a person appears tired, how an object looks expensive, or how a situation seems unfair.

This verb always follows a subject and typically precedes an adjective or adjective phrase (e.g., 显得高兴, 显得年轻). It cannot stand alone and requires a complement to complete its meaning. It’s neutral in register — common in both spoken and written Chinese — and frequently appears in descriptive, evaluative, or comparative contexts, especially when highlighting a perceived quality that may differ from objective reality.