The phrase "look across" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /lʊk/, /əˈkrɒs/. The first syllable, "look," represents the sound of the English letter "o" pronounced as a short "u" sound. The second syllable, "across," is pronounced with an unstressed "a" sound followed by a "kr" consonant cluster and ending with a stressed "o" sound pronounced as a "ɒ" vowel sound. When spoken together, "look across" is pronounced as "LUK-uh-kraws."
look across (verb phrase):
1. To direct one's gaze or attention towards something or someone on the opposite side or in a different area. It involves turning one's eyes or face in a specific direction to examine or observe carefully.
2. To survey or scan a particular area or location in order to search for or identify something or someone. It involves visually exploring the surroundings or searching for something with a quick glance.
3. To consider or compare something from different perspectives or viewpoints, often in order to gain a better understanding or make a fair judgment. It entails examining multiple aspects, angles, or opinions of a situation, concept, or problem.
4. To engage in a visual communication or non-verbal interaction with another person, often to convey a message, share understanding, or establish a connection. This can involve making eye contact or exchanging meaningful looks to establish a shared understanding without the need for spoken words.
5. To metaphorically or mentally cross over or transcend barriers or differences, particularly to understand or empathize with someone else's experience, thoughts, or emotions. It implies trying to view a situation or problem from a different perspective or attempting to put oneself in another person's shoes to gain a broader understanding.
The word "look" originated from the Old English word "lōcian", which meant "to see, behold". This word has Germanic origins and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
The word "across", on the other hand, originated from the Middle English word "acros", which was derived from the Old English word "ācræs". This word is a combination of the preposition "ā" meaning "on, in, or into" and the noun "cræs" meaning "sorrow, hardship, or cross".
The phrase "look across" combines these two words. "Look" refers to visually perceiving something, while "across" indicates the direction of one's gaze or vision in relation to something else.