The phrase "more askance" means looking at someone or something with suspicion or disapproval. The phonetic transcription for this phrase is /mɔːr əsˈkæns/. The first word, "more," is pronounced with the vowel sound in "four." The second word, "askance," is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable and with the "a" sound as in "cat." This phrase might be used to describe a person's continued skeptical gaze or facial expression when dealing with a situation or individual they do not trust.
"More askance" is a phrase often used to describe the act of looking or viewing something with greater suspicion, doubt, or disapproval. In essence, it conveys the notion of a heightened level of skepticism or concern when observing or considering a particular subject or situation.
The term "askance" on its own refers to a sidelong or oblique glance, typically indicating distrust, suspicion or a lack of confidence. When the adverb "more" is added to this phrase, it intensifies the degree of doubt or apprehension implied in the original action of looking askance.
This phrase can be applied to various scenarios where one closely observes a situation, an individual's behavior, or even an idea or proposal, with heightened skepticism or wariness. It implies a deliberate inclination to regard something with caution, question its validity, or remain skeptical about its true nature or intentions.
The overall connotation of "more askance" suggests a mindset of being wary, skeptical, or critical, often prompted by a lack of trust or an understanding of the subject matter at hand. It conveys a sense of suspicion or doubt towards a particular person, event, or circumstance, indicating a need for further investigation or inquiry before forming a solid opinion or taking definitive action.
The phrase "more askance" is a combination of two words: "more" and "askance". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. More: The word "more" originates from the Old English word "māra", which means greater, superior, or additional. It shares a common ancestry with other Germanic languages such as Middle Dutch "mere", Old High German "mero", and Old Norse "meiri". Over time, "māra" evolved into "more" in Middle English and has remained relatively consistent in its usage and meaning.
2. Askance: The word "askance" comes from the Middle English word "askens", which means obliquely or slantingly. It has its roots in the Old English word "a-", a prefix that denotes a direction, and "scencan", meaning to pour out or shed light.