Stare: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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