Looked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
looked
[lสkt ]
Definition
past tense
Looked is the past tense of the verb 'look', which means to direct one's gaze in a specified direction. It can indicate someone visually exploring an object, person, or place. Additionally, it can denote a change in appearance or expression. For example, you might say someone looked happy if they were smiling. This verb can be used in a variety of contexts including casual observation and formal examination.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She looked out the window.
- He looked confused during the lecture.
- They looked for their lost dog.
- I looked in the mirror and smiled.
- The garden looked beautiful in the spring.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Language Evolution
- The past tense, 'looked,' is formed by adding the standard -ed suffix to regular verbs in English.
- The use of 'looked' spans across various dialects, maintaining similar meanings but sometimes varying in context.
- Some languages have different verbs indicating the nuance of looking (e.g., gazing, peeking) which enriches conversations.
Cultural References
- In literature, characters often 'looked' to signify realization or revelation, adding depth to storytelling.
- Photography and film frequently play with the concept of looking, where a subject's gaze can convey emotional nuance or aesthetic quality.
- Expressions such as 'looked up to' or 'looked down on' reflect societal attitudes and relationships.
Psychology
- Research shows that the act of looking can influence perception and emotional response, with eye contact playing a significant role in communication.
- Looking can be connected to attentional processes; what we look at captures our attention, shaping our understanding of the world.
- Nonverbal cues, such as where we look when interacting with others, can signal interest, agreement, or disagreement.
Origin of 'looked'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'look' comes from the Old English 'locian', which means to view or gaze.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic 'lowkลnฤ ', reflecting similar meanings in various Germanic languages.
- Over time, the word has evolved through Middle English before becoming 'look' as we know it today.
The word 'looked' traces its origin back to Middle English 'lokken', which means to see or observe. This term itself derived from Old English 'locian', which comes from Proto-Germanic '*lลซkanฤ ', signifying to close or shut. The evolution of the word reflects the development of the verb into its current usage, emphasizing the action of directing one's gaze. Over time, 'looked' has adapted to serve various grammatical purposes, particularly within the past tense framework in English. This transformation signifies a long-standing engagement with visual perception throughout human linguistic history.