look
[ look ]
/ lʊk /
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verb (used without object)
to turn one's eyes toward something or in some direction in order to see: He looked toward the western horizon and saw the returning planes.
to glance or gaze in a manner specified: to look questioningly at a person.
to use one's sight or vision in seeking, searching, examining, watching, etc.: to look through the papers.
to tend, as in bearing or significance: Conditions look toward war.
to appear or seem to the eye as specified: to look pale.
to appear or seem to the mind: The case looks promising.
to direct attention or consideration: to look at the facts.
to have an outlook or afford a view: The window looks upon the street.
to face or front: The house looks to the east.
verb (used with object)
to give (someone) a look: He looked me straight in the eye.
to have an appearance appropriate to or befitting (something): She looked her age.
to appear to be; look like: He looked a perfect fool, coming to the party a day late.
to express or suggest by looks: to look one's annoyance at a person.
Archaic. to bring, put, etc., by looks.
noun
the act of looking: a look of inquiry.
a visual search or examination.
the way in which a person or thing appears to the eye or to the mind; aspect:He has the look of an honest man. The tablecloth has a cheap look.
an expressive glance: to give someone a sharp look.
looks,
- general aspect; appearance: to like the looks of a place.
- attractive, pleasing appearance.
Verb Phrases
look after,
- to follow with the eye, as someone or something moving away: She looked after him as he walked toward the train station.
- to pay attention to; concern oneself with: to look after one's own interests.
- to take care of; minister to: to look after a child.
look back, to review past events; return in thought: When I look back on our school days, it seems as if they were a century ago.
look down on / upon to regard with scorn or disdain; have contempt for: They look down on all foreigners.
look for,
- to seek; search for: Columbus was looking for a shorter route to India when he discovered America.
- to anticipate; expect: I'll be looking for you at the reception.
look in,
- Also look into. to look briefly inside of: Look in the jar and tell me if any cookies are left.
- Also look in on. to visit (a person, place, etc.) briefly: I'll look in some day next week.
look into, to inquire into; investigate; examine: The auditors are looking into the records to find the cause of the discrepancy.
look on / upon
- to be a spectator; watch: The crowd looked on at the street brawl.
- to consider; regard: They look upon gambling as sinful.
look out,
- to look to the outside, as from a window or a place of observation: From her office window, she could look out over the bustling city.
- to be vigilant or on guard: Look out, there are dangers ahead.
- to afford a view; face: The room looks out on the garden.
look out for, to take watchful care of; be concerned about: He has to look out for his health.
look over, to examine, especially briefly: Will you please look over my report before I submit it?
look to,
- to direct one's glance or gaze to: If you look to your left, you can see the Empire State Building.
- to pay attention to: Look to your own affairs and stay out of mine.
- to direct one's expectations or hopes to: We look to the day when world peace will be a reality.
- to regard with expectation and anticipation: We look to the future and greater advances in science and technology.
look up,
- to direct the eyes upward; raise one's glance: The other guests looked up as she entered the room.
- to become better or more prosperous; improve: Business is looking up.
- to search for, as an item of information, in a reference book or the like: Look up the answer in the encyclopedia.
- to seek out, especially to visit: to look up an old friend.
- Nautical. (of a sailing ship) to head more nearly in the direction of its destination after a favoring change of wind.
look up to, to regard with admiration or respect; esteem: A boy needs a father he can look up to.
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Idioms about look
look daggers, to look at someone with a furious, menacing expression: I could see my partner looking daggers at me.
look down one's nose at, to regard with an overbearing attitude of superiority, disdain, or censure: The more advanced students really looked down their noses at the beginners.
- to be alert and quick: If you want to get ahead, you must look sharp.
- Also British, look slippy. to hurry: You'd better look sharp! It's getting late.
look forward to, to anticipate with eagerness or pleasure: I always look forward to your visits.
look sharp,
Origin of look
First recorded before 900; (verb) Middle English lōk(i)en,Old English lōcian; cognate with Middle Dutch lœken, akin to dialectal German lugen “to look out”; (noun) Middle English loke “act of looking, glance, countenance,” derivative of the verb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use look in a sentence
So even though neither was promoted, each got a close look from pitching coordinator Brad Holman, the front office and other minor league coaches.
Nationals protect Steven Fuentes, Yasel Antuna and Joan Adon from Rule 5 draft|Jesse Dougherty|November 20, 2020|Washington PostNine bucks gets you a faintly sweet pineapple milk bun that’s named for its look but is free of fruit and sized for two to share.
At Moon Rabbit, chef Kevin Tien lures fans to the Wharf|Tom Sietsema|November 20, 2020|Washington PostReaders also hoping for the promised insight into Glenn’s personality and a look at who he was behind the public image are unlikely to find it in this book.
The branding genius of K-pop band BTSLike other boy bands, BTS has the looks, the pipes and the style, but it was the group’s message that changed Murdock’s mind.
For fans of BTS, the only thing better than the group is each other|Marian Liu|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
That look lasted for just one season because the NFL instituted a rule restricting teams to just one helmet shell per season.
Washington Football Team will wear throwback uniforms for first time since name change|Jake Russell|November 19, 2020|Washington PostHave you looked around the American Dental Association website for an explanation of how fluoridation actually works?
“Jeffrey wanted me to tell you that you looked so pretty,” the female voice said into my disbelieving ear.
I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEASTAnd so he looked at her, smiled, and offered a polite “Is everything okay?”
They became so brown and shriveled that they looked like walking beef jerky with New York accents.
Yet only 24 percent of the 3,892 femicides the group identified in 2012 and 2013 were looked at by authorities.
Why Mexicans Are Enraged by Obama’s Big Tuesday Meeting|Ruben Navarrette Jr.|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEASTDavy looked around and saw an old man coming toward them across the lawn.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. CarrylLiszt looked at it, and to her fright and dismay cried out in a fit of impatience, "No, I won't hear it!"
Music-Study in Germany|Amy FayShe looked so sweet when she said it, standing and smiling there in the middle of the floor, the door-way making a frame for her.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy FayJoe looked at her with a smile, his face still solemn and serious for all its youth and the fires of new-lit hope behind his eyes.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) OgdenHe looked strangely out of place in the dusty combat uniform.
Sense of Obligation|Henry Maxwell Dempsey (AKA Harry Harrison)
British Dictionary definitions for look
look
/ (lʊk) /
verb (mainly intr)
(often foll by at) to direct the eyes (towards)to look at the sea
(often foll by at) to direct one's attention (towards)let's look at the circumstances
(often foll by to) to turn one's interests or expectations (towards)to look to the future
(copula) to give the impression of being by appearance to the eye or mind; seemthat looks interesting
to face in a particular directionthe house looks north
to expect, hope, or plan (to do something)I look to hear from you soon; he's looking to get rich
(foll by for)
- to search or seekI looked for you everywhere
- to cherish the expectation (of); hope (for)I look for success
(foll by to)
- to be mindful (of)to look to the promise one has made
- to have recourse (to)look to your swords, men!
to be a pointer or signthese early inventions looked towards the development of industry
(foll by into) to carry out an investigationto look into a mystery
(tr) to direct a look at (someone) in a specified wayshe looked her rival up and down
(tr) to accord in appearance with (something)to look one's age
look alive or look lively hurry up; get busy
look daggers See dagger (def. 4)
look here an expression used to attract someone's attention, add emphasis to a statement, etc
look sharp or look smart (imperative) to hurry up; make haste
not look at to refuse to considerthey won't even look at my offer of £5000
not much to look at unattractive; plain
noun
the act or an instance of lookinga look of despair
a view or sight (of something)let's have a look
(often plural) appearance to the eye or mind; aspectthe look of innocence; I don't like the looks of this place
style; fashionthe new look for summer
sentence connector
an expression demanding attention or showing annoyance, determination, etclook, I've had enough of this
See also look after, look back, look down, look forward to, look-in, look on, lookout, look over, look through, look up
Word Origin for look
Old English lōcian; related to Middle Dutch læken, Old High German luogen to look out
usage for look
See at like 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with look
look
In addition to the idioms beginning with look
- look after
- look a gift horse in the mouth
- look alive
- look as if butter wouldn't melt
- look askance
- look back
- look before you leap
- look black
- look blank
- look daggers
- look down on
- look for
- look forward to
- look in on
- look into
- look like
- look like a million dollars
- look like death
- look like something the cat dragged in
- look like the cat that ate the canary
- look on
- look on the bright side
- look out
- look out for
- look over
- look sharp
- look sideways at
- look someone in the face
- look the other way
- look through rose-colored glasses
- look to
- look to one's laurels
- look up
- look up and down
- look up to
- look who's talking
also see:
- (look on the) bright side
- dirty look
- make someone look good
- take a look at
- things are looking up
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.