Stare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stare

[stɛər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

look

To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something with one's eyes wide open.

Synonyms

gawk, gaze, peer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stare	Used when someone looks at something or someone for a long period of time, often with wide-open eyes, and usually without blinking. She would often stare at the stars, lost in thought. Don't stare at people; it's rude.
gaze	Used to describe looking at something or someone steadily and intently, often with wonder, love, or thoughtfulness. He would gaze into her eyes for hours. The artist gazed at the beautiful sunset before beginning to paint.
gawk	Used in an informal context to describe looking at something or someone in a rude or stupid way, often with an open mouth. This has a negative connotation. People tend to gawk at accidents on the road. Don't gawk at her; it's impolite.
peer	Used when someone takes a close or careful look at something, often because it is difficult to see clearly. She had to peer closely to read the small print. He peered through the fog, trying to find his way.

Examples of usage

She stared at him in disbelief.
He stared out of the window, lost in thought.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

intensely

To look at someone or something with one's eyes wide open, typically in a fierce or aggressive way.

Synonyms

fixate, gaze, glare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stare	It's used when someone looks at something or someone for a long time, often with a focus or intense curiosity, but can sometimes be interpreted as rude or impolite. He couldn't help but stare at the fascinating painting. She stared blankly at the TV, lost in thought.
glare	Typically used to describe looking at someone or something with anger or disapproval. It has a distinctly negative connotation. He glared at the person who cut in front of him in line. She glared at her brother after he broke her favorite toy.
gaze	Often used to describe looking at something with admiration, wonder, or deep thought. It generally carries a more positive or neutral tone. They gazed at the stars in the clear night sky. She gazed lovingly at her newborn baby.
fixate	This is used when someone focuses their attention on something or someone obsessively or excessively. This word often has a negative connotation. He has a tendency to fixate on minor details. She was so fixated on her phone that she didn't notice him approaching.

Examples of usage

She stared at him fiercely, daring him to speak.
He stared at the opponent, ready for the challenge.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

expression

A prolonged look or fixed gaze.

Synonyms

gaze, glare, look.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stare	Used when someone is looking at something or someone for a long time, often with surprise, admiration, or thought. She stared at the painting for hours, admiring every detail He stared blankly out of the window, lost in his thoughts
gaze	Often used when looking steadily and intently, typically with admiration or contemplation. They gazed at the stars, lost in the beauty of the night sky He gazed into her eyes, filled with love
glare	Used when someone is looking at something or someone with intense anger or disapproval. This word has a negative connotation. She glared at him after he interrupted her during the meeting The teacher's glare made the students immediately stop talking
look	This is a general term often used when directing one's eyes towards something or someone, with no specific emotional context. Look at the sign to find your way He looked at his watch and realized he was late

Examples of usage

She gave him a cold stare before turning away.
His stare was so intense, it made her uncomfortable.

Translations

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

Origin of 'stare'

The word 'stare' originated from the Old English word 'starian,' which means 'to look fixedly.' The concept of staring has been present in human communication for centuries, often used to express various emotions such as curiosity, anger, or intensity. Staring can convey a range of meanings depending on the context and cultural norms.

See also: megastar, star, stardom, starlet, stars, starship, starve, superstar.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,928 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7925 tractor
7926 conductors
7927 dig
7928 stare
7929 highlight
7930 tossed
7931 detained
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