look
verb (transitive)
UK/lʊk/US/lʊk/
To mark or provide with a line or lines.
Example Sentences
She lined the paper with a pencil before writing her essay.
He lined the card with decorative patterns.
They lined the window with curtains to enhance privacy.
The artist lined the drawing to add definition to the shapes.
She lined the recipe with notes and adjustments.
He carefully lined the paper to ensure straight handwriting.
They lined the path with lanterns for the evening walk.
She lined the gift box with colorful tissue paper.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
noun (countable)
UK/lʊk/US/lʊk/
A rope or string used for various purposes.
Example Sentences
She tied the package with a strong line to secure it.
They used a fishing line to catch trout in the river.
He threw the line to the dog during the game of fetch.
The climber ensured the safety line was properly anchored.
They installed a clothesline in the backyard for drying laundry.
The sailors handled the ship's lines with expertise.
She braided the hairline into a stylish pattern.
They used a line to mark the boundaries of the property.
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interjection
UK/lʊk/US/lʊk/
Used to draw attention or to introduce a statement.
Example Sentences
Look! There's a rainbow in the sky.
Look, I told you so.
Look at this amazing view.
Look, I need your help.
Look over there, do you see that?
Look, here's your package.
Look how beautiful the flowers are.
Look, I finished the project.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Direct your gaze or attention to perceive something.The verb “look” generally means focusing your eyes on something or someone to see or perceive. In daily usage, it can be followed by various prepositions and adverbs to refine meaning. For instance, “look at” specifies a direct object of focus, as in “Look at that painting!” If you want to check something carefully, you might say, “look into,” conveying investigative attention: “We should look into this issue further.” Meanwhile, “look for” signals searching: “I’m looking for my keys.”“Look” also appears in imperative forms to draw attention: “Look over here!” or “Look before you cross the street.” When used as a linking verb—e.g., “You look tired”—it indicates an impression or appearance. Written or spoken contexts might include synonyms like “observe,” “watch,” or “see,” but “look” remains the straightforward choice for everyday expressions. You can combine “look” with adverbs such as “closely” or “intently” to emphasize how you’re observing, or with adjectives like “look happy,” “look worried,” etc. This flexibility allows you to capture different degrees of scrutiny and emotional impression. Whether calling attention (“Look what I found!”), instructing someone (“Look both ways”), or simply making an observation about appearance, “look” is a concise and universally understood verb for engaging your sense of sight.
Alternatives
In place of “look,” you can choose words that highlight varied nuances of perception or gaze. For example, “observe” implies careful scrutiny—often used in more formal or scientific contexts, such as “We observed the birds’ behavior at dawn.” “Watch” captures continuous attention or monitoring, like “Watch the kids while I make dinner.” “See” is the most basic sense verb for noticing something visually: “Did you see that shooting star?” Each conveys the idea of looking but with slightly different focuses—“observe” is methodical, “watch” suggests sustained attention, and “see” indicates momentary perception.If you want a casual alternative, “check out” can be handy, connoting both attention and interest in everyday situations: “Check out this new café!” Meanwhile, “glance” or “glimpse” specifies a brief or partial look, and “stare” or “gaze” intensifies the idea, implying prolonged or fixed attention. “Scan” implies a quick sweep, perhaps searching for something. By swapping these synonyms strategically, you adjust not only the level of scrutiny—fleeting or steady—but also the tone, from relaxed to more intense. For a softer approach, “take a peek” or “take a look” works well, adding an informal, inviting feel. Each term helps you convey subtle differences in duration, focus, or emotional weight, ensuring your language remains precise and engaging while avoiding repetitive phrasing. Whether you’re describing a fleeting glance, a thorough examination, or casual curiosity, these synonyms expand your expressive range, letting you capture exactly how someone is looking at a subject or scene.
Writing
When writing, “look” offers flexibility in setting a scene, highlighting character observation, or guiding a reader’s attention. However, using “look” repeatedly can weaken description. Instead, rotate in synonyms or expand details to deepen your narrative. For instance, “He looked outside” is concise but plain. If you aim to convey anxiety or curiosity, you might say, “He peered through the blinds, searching for any sign of movement.” By adding context—peering, gazing, scanning—you create a richer visual.In a story, how characters look at each other can reveal their relationships. “She looked at him with concern” implies a gentle dynamic, whereas “She glared at him” reveals tension or anger. If you’re depicting a scene from a character’s viewpoint, the phrase “He looked around the room” can lead to further details, such as noting peeling wallpaper or a row of old photographs. These observations immerse the reader, building atmosphere and adding nuance to the story. In essays or formal writing, “look” may appear when referencing an analysis—“We’ll look at the data”—though “examine,” “explore,” or “assess” might better suit academic contexts. In instructions or guides, you could say, “Look at the indicator light to confirm it’s on,” emphasizing that the user needs a visual check. For non-fiction, carefully place “look” to maintain directness and clarity, but mix in synonyms if needed to avoid monotony. Overall, be mindful of how “look” interacts with your tone, genre, and purpose. Through varied uses—imperative, descriptive, introspective—this simple verb helps direct focus or convey emotional undercurrents, making your writing more dynamic and engaging.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “look” comes up constantly, and it’s one of the easiest ways to direct someone’s attention. You might say, “Look at this photo!” to show a friend something interesting on your phone, or “Look who’s here!” when spotting a person you know in a crowded space. These short exclamations bring excitement and spontaneity to casual interactions. When expressing how you perceive someone’s mood or appearance, you could say, “You look happy today,” showing that you notice and appreciate their vibe. Alternatively, “You look tired—everything okay?” demonstrates concern and invites them to open up. In group settings, phrases like “Look, guys, this place is packed!” or “Look at that sunset!” serve as universal prompts to share experiences. Friends also say, “Just look at what she’s wearing!” if they want a playful or sassy nudge to notice someone’s outfit.You’ll find “look” all over social media and text chat: “Look at this meme!” or “Look who just followed me!” If you need someone’s quick help, “Look for the missing keys, please,” is a direct request for them to search. In disagreements, “Look, I get your point, but…” signals that you’re about to explain your side. Meanwhile, if you want to shift from a negative or awkward topic, you might soften it with “Look, maybe we should talk about this later.” In all these scenarios, “look” hits an immediate, casual tone—focusing or redirecting attention, reading cues about someone’s state, or prompting a friend to see what you’re pointing out. That directness and friendliness makes it a top choice in daily speech. Finally, “Look!” can express excitement or alarm: “Look! There’s a rainbow!” or “Look out!” as a warning when danger is near. Whether joyful or urgent, that one-word exclamation is enough to get heads turning and eyes scanning. The succinct clarity of “look” keeps it central to casual talk, bridging a wide range of scenarios, from friendly jokes to serious alerts. With just a quick shift of tone and context, “look” transitions between bright fascination, gentle observation, or a protective heads-up in daily life.
Etymology
Tracing back to Old English “lōcian,” “look” originally conveyed ‘to gaze or glance.’ This root is linked to various Germanic languages, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage. Over the centuries, “look” remained anchored in the notion of directing one’s eyes toward something, though it also acquired metaphorical senses: to look into a matter (investigate), to look up (improve or search), and to look forward (anticipate a future event). During the Middle English period, “look” was already prevalent in daily dialogue, literature, and instructions, commonly urging people to pay attention: “Look here!” Meanwhile, expansions in usage allowed it to handle phrases indicating perspective or viewpoint: “look at the bright side,” “look out for number one,” or “look the other way.” Authors and orators employed it to frame observations, warnings, or calls to action. As printing and literacy grew, “look” found fertile ground in everything from casual pamphlets to serious philosophical texts, signifying literal vision or figurative contemplation. Modern expansions in technology and media—live streaming, phone cameras—made “look” even more frequent, with countless calls to “look at this” across social platforms. Today, “look” stays integral to how we communicate awareness, perspective, and emotional resonance, tying everyday perception to deeper conceptual engagements. Whether we’re telling someone to watch out, join us in marveling at a scene, or simply describing someone’s appearance, “look” endures as a core verb bridging the physical act of seeing with a host of cultural and emotional contexts.
