Scowl: meaning, definitions and examples

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scowl

[skaʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

facial expression

To look at someone or something in a way that shows anger or disapproval.

Synonyms

frown, glower, grimace.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scowl	Used when someone looks at another person with an expression of anger or disapproval. It often implies a more intense and deliberate expression. She scowled at him after hearing his rude comment. The teacher scowled when the students were talking during the lesson.
frown	This is a common expression of displeasure, confusion, or concentration. It is milder than a scowl and can be used in both negative and neutral contexts. He frowned as he tried to solve the difficult math problem. She frowned when she heard the news.
glower	Used when someone gives an angry, sullen look. It has a stronger negative connotation and implies a brooding or threatening expression. The villain glowered at the hero from across the room. He glowered at his coworker after their argument.
grimace	Refers to an expression of pain, disgust, or discomfort. It doesn't necessarily involve anger and is often related to physical or emotional discomfort. She grimaced when she tasted the sour lemon. He grimaced in pain as he twisted his ankle.

Examples of usage

He scowled at me when I interrupted him.
She scowled at the rude customer.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

facial expression

An expression on someone's face that shows anger or disapproval.

Synonyms

frown, glower, grimace.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scowl	This word is often used to describe a facial expression that shows anger, displeasure, or annoyance. It is a stronger and more intense expression compared to a frown. He scowled at the noisy children in the park She gave him a scowl when he interrupted her presentation
frown	This word describes a facial expression that signifies displeasure, confusion, or concentration. It is less intense than a scowl and can convey mild irritation or deep thought. He frowned while trying to solve the difficult math problem She frowned when she heard the upsetting news
glower	Often used to describe a look of intense anger or disapproval, usually with a strong and direct gaze. The term implies a deeper, more penetrating form of staring, usually with negative emotions. The manager glowered at the employee who arrived late to the meeting After the argument, he sat in silence, glowering at nothing in particular
grimace	This word refers to a facial expression that shows discomfort, pain, or disgust. It can also be used to describe a reaction to something unpleasant, often briefly. She grimaced as she tasted the sour lemon He grimaced when he accidentally stepped on a sharp object

Examples of usage

She had a scowl on her face as she read the email.
His scowl made me nervous.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'scūlan', which means to be in trouble or to frown.
It has been used in the English language since the 14th century, pointing to a long history of expressing displeasure through facial expressions.

Psychology

Facial expressions like scowling can influence how people perceive your emotions, often making you seem more approachable when smiling and less so when scowling.
Research has shown that scowling can increase feelings of anger in oneself and in others, even if the scowl is not directed at someone specific.

Pop Culture

Famous characters in movies often scowl to show their serious or villainous nature, such as Voldemort in the Harry Potter series.
Scowling can be a common action in cartoons to depict a character's frustration or anger, like in many classic comic strips.

Literature

Classic literary works frequently use scowling to illustrate a character's inner turmoil or conflict, enhancing the reader's understanding of their emotions.
In Shakespeare's plays, characters often scowl to express their disdain or anger, adding depth to their dramatic presence.

Cultural Differences

In some cultures, a scowling face can be perceived as confrontational, while in others, it might indicate deep concentration or thoughtfulness.
Understanding the context of scowling is important, as what may be seen as a bad mood in one culture could be considered normal in another.

Translations

Translations of the word "scowl" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carranca

🇮🇳 मुँह बनाना

🇩🇪 finsterer Blick

🇮🇩 cemberut

🇺🇦 хмурий погляд

🇵🇱 marszczyć brwi

🇯🇵 しかめ面

🇫🇷 froncer les sourcils

🇪🇸 fruncir el ceño

🇹🇷 kaş çatmak

🇰🇷 찡그린 얼굴

🇸🇦 عبوس

🇨🇿 mračit se

🇸🇰 mračiť sa

🇨🇳 皱眉

🇸🇮 mrščiti se

🇮🇸 gretta sig

🇰🇿 қабағын түю

🇬🇪 გულგრილი სახე

🇦🇿 qaşqabağını tökmək

🇲🇽 fruncir el ceño

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,962, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20959 extolled
20960 polyurethane
20961 bloodless
20962 scowl
20963 kelp
20964 snugly
20965 pianoforte
...