LOOK AT Meaning and
Definition
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"Look at" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of directing one's gaze or attention towards someone or something in order to observe or examine it closely. It is the action of using one's eyes to visually perceive a particular subject. This phrase can encompass various intentions, such as exploring, scrutinizing, or evaluating.
When using "look at," an individual focuses their visual attention on the specified item or person, often to gain information or understanding. This act of looking is usually accompanied by paying careful attention to details, features, or specific aspects of the subject being observed.
The duration and intensity of the gaze can vary depending on the context and purpose. For instance, "look at" can denote a quick glance or inspection to gather a general impression, or it might imply a more prolonged, deliberate study of intricate details.
This expression is commonly used in everyday conversations, academic contexts, and professional environments. It implies an active engagement of the individual's visual senses and their willingness to engage in a visual exploration of the subject at hand.
Overall, "look at" conveys the idea of putting one's visual focus on something with the intention of careful observation, examination, and evaluation. Whether it is regarding an art piece, a concept, a person, or an object, this phrase implies a purposeful act of using one's eyes to gain insights or discern specific characteristics.
Top Common Misspellings for LOOK AT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LOOK AT
- kook at
- pook at
- oook at
- liok at
- lkok at
- llok at
- lpok at
- l0ok at
- l9ok at
- loik at
- lokk at
- lolk at
- lopk at
- lo0k at
- lo9k at
- looj at
- loom at
- lool at
- looo at
Etymology of LOOK AT
The word "look" can be traced back to the Old English word "lōcian", which meant "to see, observe, or watch". This Old English verb was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "lōkōną". In terms of etymology, "lōkōną" is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*leǵ-", which meant "to look, see" or "to perceive".
The preposition "at" used together with "look" indicates the target or direction of the looking action. In Middle English, the preposition was spelled as "atte" or "at", and it derived from the Old English "æt", ultimately stemming from the Proto-Germanic word "*at". This preposition has a wide range of meanings, one of which is its use to indicate direction or proximity.
Idioms with the word LOOK AT
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take a long, hard look at sth
The idiom "take a long, hard look at something" means to carefully and critically observe or examine something, usually a situation, problem, or one's own actions or attitudes. It implies a thorough and serious evaluation or analysis with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding or finding a solution.
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cat can look at a king
The idiom "a cat can look at a king" means that even someone with low status or authority has the right to observe or gaze upon someone of higher standing, without any consequences or limitations. It implies that everyone is entitled to observe or show curiosity towards those who may be considered superior or powerful.
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look at crosseyed
The idiom "look at crosseyed" typically means to examine or observe something very closely or intensely. It implies scrutinizing or analyzing a situation or object with great attention to detail.
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take a long, hard look at
The idiom "take a long, hard look at" means to carefully and critically examine something or someone in order to fully understand or assess them. It implies a thorough analysis or evaluation, often involving scrutiny, introspection, or reflection.
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look at sm crosseyed
The idiom "look at someone cross-eyed" means to glare at someone with anger, annoyance, or disapproval in a way that suggests a confrontational or threatening attitude. It implies a strong expression of dislike or contempt towards the person being looked at.
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take a look at
The idiom "take a look at" means to observe or examine something, typically in order to better understand or evaluate it.
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take a look at sm or sth
The idiom "take a look at something or someone" means to closely examine, observe, or inspect something or someone. It is used when someone wants to view or scrutinize a particular thing or situation.
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look at sm or sth
The idiom "look at sm or sth" means to direct one's attention or focus towards someone or something. It can refer to observing, examining, or considering someone or something in a deliberate manner. It implies giving careful consideration or evaluation to the subject being looked at.
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a cat may look at a king
The idiom "a cat may look at a king" means that even the most insignificant or lowly individual has the right to observe or gaze upon someone of higher status or authority. It suggests that it is within everyone's rights to observe or take notice, regardless of their standing or position in society.
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to look at somebody/something
The idiom "to look at somebody/something" means to direct one's gaze or attention towards a specific person or thing, observing or examining them. It implies a visual examination or scrutiny of someone or something.
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a cat can look at a king
The idiom "a cat can look at a king" means that even someone of lower social standing or status has the right to observe or take an interest in someone of higher status, and that there should be no restrictions on someone's ability to observe or study something out of curiosity, regardless of hierarchy or social norms.
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take a long, hard look at (something)
The idiom "take a long, hard look at (something)" means to thoroughly and critically examine or consider something in great detail. It emphasizes the importance of taking the time to carefully assess and analyze a situation, object, or idea.
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would as soon do sth as look at you
The idiom "would as soon do something as look at you" is used to describe someone who dislikes or has extreme aversion to someone or something, to the extent that they would not even want to look at them. It implies a strong disinterest, indifference, or even disgust towards the mentioned person or thing.
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not much to look at
The idiom "not much to look at" refers to something or someone that is not visually appealing or attractive. It indicates that the appearance or visual aspect of the thing or person is underwhelming or lacking in beauty or interest.
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be much to look at
To say that someone or something is "much to look at" means that they have a visually appealing or attractive appearance. It suggests that they are physically attractive, often used to describe a person's appearance.
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look at cross-eyed
The idiom "look at cross-eyed" typically means to give someone a dirty or disapproving look, often with a hint of annoyance or contempt. It can also refer to scrutinizing something or someone critically or with skepticism.
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would as soon do as look at you
The idiom "would as soon do as look at you" means that someone has such disdain, contempt, or dislike for another person that they would rather avoid any sort of interaction or communication with them. It implies a strong aversion or lack of interest in engaging with the person in question, almost to the extent that even the mere act of looking at them is undesirable.
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take a long (cool/hard) look at something
The idiom "take a long (cool/hard) look at something" typically means to examine or consider something carefully and thoroughly, often implying that a critical evaluation or assessment is needed. It suggests taking the time to observe and analyze the situation or issue from a objective perspective, potentially with a detached or unemotional mindset. The addition of "cool" or "hard" can emphasize the need for a level-headed and discerning examination.
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be not much to look at
The idiom "be not much to look at" means that someone or something has an unimpressive or unattractive appearance, or lacks visual appeal. It suggests that the person or object is not physically remarkable or aesthetically pleasing.
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don't look at me
The idiom "don't look at me" is a phrase used to express innocence or denial when someone is trying to shift blame or responsibility away from themselves. It can also be used to indicate that the person is not the one to be held accountable for a certain situation or action.
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look at
To consider or examine closely; to analyze or study something carefully.
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see, look at, etc. something through somebody’s eyes
To see, look at, etc. something through somebody's eyes means to consider a situation or issue from the perspective or viewpoint of another person. It involves attempting to understand how someone else experiences or interprets a particular situation or scenario.
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look at/see sth through rosecoloured/tinted spectacles, at look at/see sth through rosecoloured/tinted glasses
To look at or see something through rose-colored/tinted spectacles/glasses means to view it in an overly optimistic or positive way, often ignoring any negative aspects or reality. It implies that the person's perspective is skewed by an unrealistic and idealized view of the situation.
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look at/see sth through rosecoloured/tinted glasses
To look at or see something through rose-colored/tinted glasses means to view a situation or person in an overly optimistic or idealized way, often ignoring or overlooking any flaws or negative aspects.
Similar spelling words for LOOK AT
- look,
- look out,
- lock-gate,
- Lockett,
- look to,
- lockout,
- look up,
- lookout,
- loquat,
- locate,
- loot,
- Looked,
- looks,
- locked,
- lock out,
- locket.
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