Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Scowl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ 
Add to dictionary

scowl

[skaสŠl ]

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'scowl'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'scลซlan', 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.

The word 'scowl' originated from Middle English 'skoulen', which is of imitative origin. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The verb 'scowl' is derived from the noun form, which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word 'skulan'. Over the centuries, 'scowl' has retained its meaning of showing anger or disapproval through facial expression.

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.