First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1look
verb \ˈlu̇k\
: to direct your eyes in a particular direction
: to seem to be something especially because of appearance
: to have an appearance that is suitable for (something)
Full Definition of LOOK
transitive verb
1
: to make sure or take care (that something is done)
2
: to ascertain by the use of one's eyes <look what I brought you>
3
a : to exercise the power of vision upon : examine b archaic : to search for
4
a : expect, anticipate <we look to have a good year> b : to have in mind as an end <looking to win back some lost profits>
5
archaic : to bring into a place or condition by the exercise of the power of vision
6
: to express by the eyes or facial expression
7
: to have an appearance that befits or accords with <looks her age>
intransitive verb
1
a : to exercise the power of vision : see b : to direct one's attention <look upon the future with hope> <look at the map> c : to direct the eyes <looked up from the newspaper>
2
: to have the appearance or likelihood of being : seem <it looks unlikely> <looks to be hard work>
3
: to have a specified outlook <the house looked east>
4
: to gaze in wonder or surprise : stare
5
: to show a tendency <the evidence looks to acquittal>
— look after
: to take care of
— look at
— look down one's nose
: to view something with arrogance, disdain, or disapproval
— look for
1
: to await with hope or anticipation
2
: to search for : seek <looking for a new car>
— look forward
: to anticipate with pleasure or satisfaction <looking forward to your visit>
— look into
: explore 1a
— look the other way
: to direct one's attention away from something unpleasant or troublesome
— look to
1
: to direct one's attention to <looking to the future>
2
: to rely upon <looks to reading for relaxation>
See look defined for English-language learners
See look defined for kids
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Origin of LOOK
Middle English, from Old English lōcian; akin to Old Saxon lōcōn to look
Related to LOOK
- Synonyms
- act, appear, come across (as), come off (as), feel, seem, make, sound
Synonym Discussion of LOOK
expect, hope, look mean to await some occurrence or outcome. expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning <expects to be finished by Tuesday>. hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen <hopes to find a job soon>. look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled <looks to a tidy profit from the sale>; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness <look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast>.
2look
noun
: the act of looking at something
: the act of examining or considering something
: the act of trying to find something or someone
Full Definition of LOOK
2
a : the expression of the countenance b : physical appearance; especially : attractive physical appearance —usually used in plural c : a combination of design features giving a unified appearance <a new look in women's fashions>
3
: the state or form in which something appears
See look defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LOOK
13th century
Related to LOOK
- Synonyms
- cast, countenance, expression, face, visage
LOOK Defined for Kids
1look
verb \ˈlu̇k\
lookedlook·ing
Definition of LOOK for Kids
1
: to use the power of vision : see <Look before you cross.>
2
: to direct the attention or eyes <Look in the mirror.> <Look at the map.>
3
: seem 1 <That looks dangerous.>
4
: to have an appearance that is suitable <He looks his age.>
5
: 2face 1 <The house looks east.>
— look after
: to take care of <Look after the children.>
— look down on
: to regard as bad or inferior
— look out
: to be careful
— look up
1
: to search for in a reference book <Look it up in the dictionary.>
2
: to get better <Your chances are looking up.>
— look up to
: 2respect 1
2look
noun
Definition of LOOK for Kids
1
: an act of looking <We took a look around.>
2
: the expression on a person's face or in a person's eyes <The child had a mischievous look.>
3
looks plural : physical appearance <good looks>
4
: appearance that suggests what something is or means <The cloth has a look of leather.>
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