Eyeing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eyeing

[ˈaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

watching closely

To eye means to look at with interest or curiosity. It can imply a careful observation or scrutiny, often concerning intentions or thoughts.

Synonyms

gazing, glancing, observing, watching.

Examples of usage

  • She was eyeing the dessert table eagerly.
  • He was eyeing the new car parked in front.
  • The cat was eyeing the bird on the windowsill.
Context #2 | Verb

considering options

To eye can also mean to assess or evaluate something, especially in terms of potential acquisition or interest. This usage often implies a sense of desire or intention to obtain.

Synonyms

assessing, considering, evaluation.

Examples of usage

  • He has been eyeing that promotion for months.
  • They are eyeing potential investment opportunities.
  • She was eyeing that beautiful dress in the shop window.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that prolonged eye contact can create feelings of attraction and trust between people.
  • People often use eye movement to communicate their intentions without speaking; for example, looking away may signal discomfort.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, making eye contact is viewed as a sign of confidence and honesty.
  • Conversely, some cultures may interpret constant eye contact as rude or challenging.

Literature

  • Writers often use the act of eyeing something as a metaphor for desire or longing in poetry and prose.
  • In storytelling, a character's eyeing can foreshadow actions, revealing their goals or emotions subtly.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often eye each other in tense situations, creating a sense of suspense or romantic tension.
  • The phrase 'eyeing the competition' is commonly used in business contexts to signify surveillance of rival companies.

Origin of 'eyeing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'eye' comes from the Old English 'ēage', which has roots in Proto-Germanic.
  • The action word 'eyeing' combines 'eye' with the suffix '-ing', turning it into a verb that signifies a continuous action.

The term 'eyeing' is derived from the noun 'eye', which has roots in Old English 'ēage', meaning the organ of vision. The transformation into a verb form suggests an action related to the eye, indicating the act of looking or observing. The use of 'eye' as a verb emerged in Middle English, where it began to encompass more abstract meanings beyond mere physical observation. Over centuries, 'eyeing' became associated with attentiveness and estimation, reflecting a broader conceptualization of perception that applies not only to visual observation but also to evaluation and interest in various contexts. Today, it is commonly used in both informal and formal language to describe the act of watching with intent or considering someone or something with interest.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,770, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.