Pronunciation: [lˈʊkt ˈɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "looked in" is straightforward. "Looked" is spelled with the letters L-O-O-K-E-D, which represent the sounds /lʊkt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. "In" is spelled with the letters I-N, which represent the sound /ɪn/. Together, "looked in" is pronounced /'lʊkt ɪn/ in IPA. This phrase commonly refers to the act of directing one's gaze into a particular place or space, such as a room or building.
"Looked in" is a phrasal verb that consists of the verb "look" and the preposition "in." This expression refers to the act of examining or inspecting the interior or contents of something, typically a container or enclosed space. When someone "looks in," they direct their gaze or attention towards the inside of an object with the intention of ascertaining information or finding something specific.
The phrase "looked in" can be used in various contexts. For example, if someone misplaces their car keys, they might say "I looked in my bag," meaning they searched through the inside of their bag to find the keys. Similarly, a person could say "I looked in the cupboard" if they were searching for a specific item among the contents of the cupboard.
Furthermore, "looked in" can also denote the act of briefly visiting or stopping at a place. For instance, if a person says "I looked in at the café," it indicates that they visited the café briefly, perhaps to observe or inquire about something before continuing with their original plans.
In summary, "looked in" is a phrasal verb that encompasses the act of inspecting the interior of an object or briefly visiting a place for a specific purpose or observation.
The term "looked in" is not a word with a distinct etymology, as it is formed by combining two separate words: "looked" and "in". However, we can examine the origins of these individual words:
1. Looked: The word "looked" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "look". It comes from the Old English word "lōcian", which means "to see, gaze, or look". The Old English root goes back to the Proto-Germanic word "*lōkōną" and is related to the Old Saxon "lokōn" and Old High German "luogen".
2. In: The word "in" is a preposition that indicates location or inclusion within a place or thing. It derives from the Old English word "inn", which has the same meaning.
