Glare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glare

[ษกler ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in the sun

a fierce or angry stare

Synonyms

gaze, glower, stare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glare

This is often used when someone is looking at something or someone with intense anger or disapproval. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • She glared at him for interrupting her.
  • He glared at the dog for chewing his shoes.
stare

This is used when someone is looking at something or someone for a long time, often with wonder, surprise, or sometimes rudeness. The connotation can be neutral to slightly negative depending on the context.

  • She stared at the magician in amazement.
  • It's rude to stare at people.
gaze

This is typically used to describe a look that is steady and often filled with admiration, curiosity, or deep thought. It has a neutral to positive connotation.

  • She gazed out of the window, lost in thought.
  • He gazed at the painting for hours, admiring every detail.
glower

Similar to 'glare,' this word indicates looking with anger, but it is often used to describe a more brooding or resentful look. It also has a negative connotation.

  • He glowered at his colleague who took credit for his work.
  • The teacher glowered at the students who were talking during the lesson.

Examples of usage

  • She fixed him with a glare.
  • The glare of the sun was blinding.
Context #2 | Verb

angrily

stare in an angry or fierce way

Synonyms

gaze, glower, stare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glare

Use when looking at someone or something with intense, often angry or annoyed, focus. This term generally has a negative connotation.

  • She glared at him after he interrupted her presentation.
  • The teacher glared at the students who were talking during the lecture.
stare

Use when looking at someone or something for a long time without blinking, which can be interpreted as rude, intense, or creepy. The word can carry a neutral connotation depending on the context, but often leans negative if prolonged.

  • The children stared at the magician in amazement.
  • She felt uncomfortable because the stranger was staring at her.
gaze

Use when looking at something or someone with admiration, curiosity, or thoughtfulness for an extended period. It usually has a positive or neutral connotation.

  • She gazed at the painting for hours, captivated by its beauty.
  • He sat by the window, gazing at the stars.
glower

Use when looking at someone or something with a dark, sullen, or angry expression. This term has a strong negative connotation and often implies silent disapproval.

  • He glowered at his rival across the room.
  • The boss glowered at the employee who missed the deadline.

Examples of usage

  • She glared at him across the room.
  • The teacher glared at the students for talking.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Glare can come from natural sources like the sun or artificial ones like bright headlights at night.
  • Exposure to glare can cause temporary visual impairment, making it difficult to see details.
  • There are two types of glare: discomfort glare, which is simply annoying, and disability glare, which prevents you from seeing what you need to.

Psychology

  • People often associate glare with aggression; a glare can signify anger or warning in social environments.
  • Research shows that a strong glare can increase stress levels in individuals by forcing them to squint or shield their eyes.
  • Glare can affect mood; excessive bright light is linked to feelings of irritability or discomfort.

Pop Culture

  • In films, a glare often indicates tension or conflict, with characters using it instead of words to express their feelings.
  • Songs and poetry reference 'glare' to evoke emotions, particularly feelings of angst or confrontation.
  • Social media often depicts 'glare' as a reaction to judgment or disapproval, usually in a humorous way.

Health

  • Excessive glare can contribute to visual fatigue, especially for people who spend a lot of time on screens.
  • Special computer glasses can help reduce glare from screens to protect your eyes.
  • There's also a condition called 'glare sensitivity', where individuals find bright lights particularly uncomfortable.

Origin of 'glare'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'glare' comes from the Old English word 'glerian', which means to shine or be bright.
  • In Middle English, it referred not just to light but also to a fierce or angry look.
  • The meaning evolved over time to include both intense brightness and a harsh stare.

The word 'glare' originated from Middle English 'glaren' and is related to the Old High German 'glaren' meaning 'to gleam'. The word has evolved over time to be associated with intense or angry stares, often in bright light or in a confrontational manner.


See also: glaring.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,112, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.