LOOK ASKANCE Meaning and
Definition
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To look askance is an idiomatic expression that refers to a particular way of gazing or observing something or someone with a doubtful, disapproving, or suspicious look, often through the corner of one's eye. It implies a sideways or oblique glance, wherein a person's eyes are not directly focused on the subject matter. This nonchalant, sidelong glance is indicative of a skeptical or wary attitude towards what is being observed.
When one looks askance, they typically do so subtly, with a discernible squint or a slight dip of their head, suggesting a sense of doubt, distrust, or suspicion. The sideways glance implies a veiled judgement, a hesitation, or even a mild contempt towards the object or person being examined. It implies a lack of confidence or trust in the actions, intentions, or legitimacy of the observed party.
This expression is often associated with situations that elicit a sense of skepticism, uncertainty, or unease. People may look askance when confronted with an unusual, suspicious, or questionable circumstance, prompting them to cast a sidelong, distrustful gaze as they assess the situation.
In summary, to look askance signifies a skeptical or disapproving manner of observing something or someone, using a sideways or oblique glance which implies doubt, suspicion, or distrust. It conveys a sense of wariness, hesitation, or contempt, provoking a guarded or skeptical attitude towards what is being scrutinized.
Common Misspellings for LOOK ASKANCE
- look askanse
- look askanke
- look askange
- look askanae
- look askanbe
- look askancu
- look askancm
- look askanca
- look askancg
- lowokaskance
- l ook askance
- lo ok askance
- loo k askance
- look a skance
- look as kance
- look ask ance
- look aska nce
- look askan ce
- look askanc e
Etymology of LOOK ASKANCE
The phrase "look askance" combines the verb "look" and the adverb "askance".
The word "look" originated from Old English "lōcian", which means "to see, behold, gaze, observe". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "lokōną".
The adverb "askance" comes from the Middle English word "asken", which means "to ask" or "to request". It derives from the Old English word "ascian", meaning "to ask, demand, call for, ascribe blame to".
The phrase "look askance" dates back to the 16th century and combines the idea of looking or observing with a sense of suspicion or skepticism. It suggests looking from the side or glancing sideways, which implies a cautious or mistrustful approach to something or someone.
Idioms with the word LOOK ASKANCE
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look askance upon (someone or something)
The idiom "look askance upon (someone or something)" refers to the act of viewing or perceiving someone or something with suspicion, disapproval, or doubt. It implies a skeptical or critical attitude towards the person or situation in question.
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look askance at sb/sth
The idiom "look askance at sb/sth" means to view someone or something with suspicion, doubt, or disapproval. It is often used to describe a skeptical or doubtful reaction towards a person or object.
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look askance at sm or sth
The idiom "look askance at someone or something" means to view someone or something with suspicion, skepticism, or disapproval. It implies a sideways or indirect glance, suggesting a doubtful or wary attitude towards the person or thing being observed.
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look askance at (someone or something)
The idiom "look askance at (someone or something)" means to view someone or something with suspicion, skepticism, or disapproval. It signifies a wary or disapproving attitude towards someone or something, often due to doubt or distrust.
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look askance (at somebody/something)
The idiom "look askance (at somebody/something)" means to view someone or something with doubt, suspicion, or disapproval. It implies a skeptical or negative attitude towards the person or thing being observed.
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look askance at
The idiom "look askance at" means to view or regard someone or something with suspicion, doubt, or disapproval. It implies a skeptical or wary attitude towards a person, action, or idea, often resulting in a judgment or criticism.
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look askance
To look at someone or something with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.
