Refers to how something or someone looks or seems, often used in set phrases like 体をなす (to take shape) or 体よく (plausibly, with a good appearance).
This plan doesn't yet take the form of a proper proposal.
His story doesn't really hold together.
I was politely turned down.
He took the day off work under the pretense of a business trip.
He pretended not to know anything.
様子 is the common, general word for how something looks or seems, whereas 体 (てい) is a stiffer, more literary term used in set phrases.
風体 specifically describes a person's outward look or dress, while 体 (てい) is a broader, more abstract word for the appearance or state of anything.
Written with the same kanji, 体 read からだ means the physical body, a completely different word from 体 read てい meaning appearance or state.
outward appearance; look · proper format; form; style · appearances; decency; show · lip service; insincere words; glib talk
appearances; what others think; public decency
face; looks; appearance
sorry state; mess; deplorable situation
appearance; look; dress
Standard kanji form for this reading.
Alternate kanji form, less common than 体.
From Middle Chinese 體 (appearance, form). The reading てい is the on'yomi.
state of standstill; suspended state
put on airs; act pretentiously; be concerned with appearances
tastefully; respectfully; decently
frankly; plainly; as it is
layout style
man dressed like an artisan; man of workmanlike appearance