Looking: meaning, definitions and examples

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looking

[ˈlʊkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

at work

To direct one's gaze in a specified direction.

Synonyms

gaze, peer, stare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
looking	General or casual observation of something. She was looking at the beautiful sunset. He kept looking out the window, waiting for his friend.
gaze	A steady and focused look, often with a sense of admiration or deep thought. She gazed at the stars, lost in her thoughts. His gaze was fixed on the painting for several minutes.
stare	A long, fixed look that can indicate interest, surprise, or rudeness. Often has a negative connotation. He stared at the strange creature in amazement. It's not polite to stare at people.
peer	To look closely or with difficulty, usually to see something more clearly. She peered through the fog to see the approaching car. He had to peer into the darkness to find his keys.

Examples of usage

She was looking out of the window.
I caught him looking at me.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

fashion

An act of deliberate observation.

Synonyms

appearance, fashion, style.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
looking	More general term used when referring to someone's visual appearance or the act of seeing someone or something. She's always looking so happy these days \| Looking out the window, he saw a beautiful sunrise
style	Can refer to a unique way of expressing oneself, whether in clothing, art, or behavior. It's broader than fashion and includes personal flair. His style is very unique and always recognizable \| The book is written in a humorous style
appearance	Often used to describe someone's physical look, including how they dress and present themselves. It can also refer to the visible condition of objects. Her appearance at the party was stunning \| The appearance of the old house had deteriorated over the years
fashion	Specifically used when talking about the latest clothing trends, styles, and the industry related to it. She is very interested in the latest fashion trends \| Paris is known as a major fashion capital

Examples of usage

The new look for this season is all about oversized sweaters.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

searching

The action of trying to find something.

Synonyms

hunt, quest, search.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
looking	Used when visually observing or seeking something, often in a casual or everyday context. She was looking for her keys all over the house. He stood at the window, looking out at the rain.
search	A general term for trying to find something. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts. She conducted a thorough search of the house to find her lost necklace. He is in search of the perfect gift for his wife.
hunt	Implies searching with more intensity, often used for finding something elusive or in a competitive context. It can sometimes have a negative connotation when referring to people. The detective was on the hunt for clues to solve the case. They went on a hunt for the treasure hidden in the forest.
quest	Usually refers to a long, adventurous search for something important or significant. It often has a literary or epic feel. The knight embarked on a quest to find the holy grail. His quest for knowledge led him to many distant lands.

Examples of usage

I will keep a look out for the missing keys.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'looking' comes from the Old English word 'locian', which means to observe or see.
In Middle English, the term evolved to include a sense of investigating or pondering over something.
The suffix '-ing' indicates an ongoing action, so 'looking' refers to the act of seeing happening right now.

Psychology

Research shows that eye contact is a powerful tool in human interaction, influencing trust and understanding.
The act of looking can affect how we perceive emotions; for instance, prolonged gazes can convey feelings of love or aggression.
Studies indicate that people often look away when thinking deeply or recalling memories, suggesting a connection between sight and cognition.

Pop Culture

In film and literature, the theme of 'looking' can symbolize desire, curiosity, or judgment, as characters often seek more than what meets the eye.
The phrase 'looking for love' has been used in countless songs and movies, highlighting the quest for romantic connections.
Famous artworks often explore the concept of looking, such as Rene Magritte’s 'The False Mirror', which prompts viewers to reflect on perception and perspective.

Linguistic Use

The word 'looking' can function as not just a verb, but also as an adjective in phrases like 'looking good', showing its versatility.
Expressions like 'looking forward to' or 'looking back on' illustrate how the term conveys anticipation or reflection.
Metaphorical uses, such as 'looking at the bigger picture', enhance the meaning beyond just physical sight to include understanding and analysis.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, 'looking' or 'gazing' at others can signify interest or respect, such as in certain social rituals.
Observational practices, like bird watching or stargazing, highlight how looking can foster appreciation for nature and mindfulness.
Many cultures use looking in the context of rituals or gatherings, where the act of seeing one another plays a critical role in community bonding.

Translations

Translations of the word "looking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 olhando

🇮🇳 देख रहे हैं

🇩🇪 schauend

🇮🇩 melihat

🇺🇦 дивлячись

🇵🇱 patrząc

🇯🇵 見ている (みている)

🇫🇷 regardant

🇪🇸 mirando

🇹🇷 bakıyor

🇰🇷 보고 있는

🇸🇦 يبحث

🇨🇿 dívající se

🇸🇰 pozerajúci sa

🇨🇳 看着 (kànzhe)

🇸🇮 gledajoč

🇮🇸 horfandi

🇰🇿 қарап отыр

🇬🇪 ხედავს

🇦🇿 baxan

🇲🇽 mirando

Word Frequency Rank

At #747 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

...
744 earlier
745 distance
746 existing
747 looking
748 operations
749 fall
750 coming
...