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Askance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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askance

[ษ™หˆskรฆns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

suspicious manner

Askance means to look or regard someone or something with suspicion or distrust. When someone looks askance, they are often doubting or questioning what they see or hear.

Synonyms

disapprovingly, distrustfully, suspiciously.

Examples of usage

  • She looked askance at his explanation.
  • The teacher regarded the student's excuse askance.
  • He cast an askance glance at the suspicious package.
Context #2 | Adverb

disapproval

In another context, askance can also imply a look of disapproval. This use is often associated with cultural norms or behaviors that may not be accepted.

Synonyms

cynically, disfavorably, skeptically.

Examples of usage

  • The community looked askance at his unconventional lifestyle.
  • Parents sometimes view new trends askance at first.
  • She gave him an askance look when he proposed his plan.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • It appears in classic literature, including works by authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, often used to depict suspicion.
  • Poets often use this term to convey irony, as it evokes a deeper emotional and social context.
  • The word has become a staple in narratives dealing with themes of doubt or lack of trust.

Psychology

  • Reading body language can reveal askance looks, which indicate skepticism or distrust towards a situation or person.
  • Research suggests that when people look askance, itโ€™s often a natural response to perceived threats or dishonesty.
  • In social interactions, a sideways glance can influence group dynamics and decision-making processes.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often raise an eyebrow or give askance looks to express disbelief or suspicion.
  • The term has been referenced in various songs and cultural critiques highlighting skepticism towards societal norms.
  • Askance attitudes in popular media often reflect broader societal distrust toward authority figures.

Everyday Usage

  • Commonly used in conversations to describe someone's doubtful reaction to something surprising.
  • Colloquially, people might say they give something an 'askance look' to convey their uncertainty or mistrust.
  • Askance has a matching sounding pair in 'ask' which emphasizes the questioning nature of the word.

Origin of 'askance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'askance' comes from Middle English 'ascance', which means 'to look sideways'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old French 'escan', meaning 'to look askew or skeptically'.
  • The term has been used in English since the 16th century, showcasing its long-standing presence in the language.

The word 'askance' comes from the Middle English word 'ascance', which meant 'to look aside'. The roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'escanser' meaning 'to look askew or sideways'. This reflects the idea of viewing something from a different angle, often associated with doubt or skepticism. Historically, 'askance' has been used to describe a sideways glance that signifies doubt or suspicion. Throughout the centuries, it has maintained a similar connotation, suggesting that one should be cautious or wary of what they are observing. As language evolved, so did the usage of 'askance', which often manifests in literary works and common speech as a way to express skepticism or disapproval, highlighting social and cultural attitudes towards various subjects.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,263, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.