Dictionary
look
Pronunciation: (look), [key]—
v.i.
1. to turn one's eyes toward something or in some direction in order to see:
He looked toward the western horizon and saw the returning planes.
2. to glance or gaze in a manner specified:
to look questioningly at a person.
3. to use one's sight or vision in seeking, searching, examining, watching, etc.:
to look through the papers.
4. to tend, as in bearing or significance:
Conditions look toward war.
5. to appear or seem to the eye as specified:
to look pale.
6. to appear or seem to the mind:
The case looks promising.
7. to direct attention or consideration:
to look at the facts.
8. to have an outlook or afford a view:
The window looks upon the street.
9. to face or front:
The house looks to the east.
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v.t.
1. to give (someone) a look:
He looked me straight in the eye.
2. to have an appearance appropriate to or befitting (something):
She looked her age.
3. to appear to be; look like:
He looked a perfect fool, coming to the party a day late.
4. to express or suggest by looks:
to look one's annoyance at a person.
5. Archaic.to bring, put, etc., by looks.
6. look after,
a. to follow with the eye, as someone or something moving away:
She looked after him as he walked toward the train station.
b. to pay attention to; concern oneself with:
to look after one's own interests.
c. to take care of; minister to:
to look after a child.
7. look back, to review past events; return in thought:
When I look back on our school days, it seems as if they were a century ago.
8. look daggers, to look at someone with a furious, menacing expression:
I could see my partner looking daggers at me.
9. look down on or upon, to regard with scorn or disdain; have contempt for:
They look down on all foreigners.
10. look down one's nose at, to regard with an overbearing attitude of superiority, disdain, or censure:
The more advanced students really looked down their noses at the beginners.
11. look for,
a. to seek; search for:
Columbus was looking for a shorter route to India when he discovered America.
b. to anticipate; expect:
I'll be looking for you at the reception.
12. look forward to, to anticipate with eagerness or pleasure:
I always look forward to your visits.
13. look in,
a. Also,look into.to look briefly inside of:
Look in the jar and tell me if any cookies are left.
b. Also,look in on.to visit (a person, place, etc.) briefly:
I'll look in some day next week.
14. look into, to inquire into; investigate; examine:
The auditors are looking into the records to find the cause of the discrepancy.
15. look on or upon,
a. to be a spectator; watch:
The crowd looked on at the street brawl.
b. to consider; regard:
They look upon gambling as sinful.
16. look out,
a. to look to the outside, as from a window or a place of observation:
From her office window, she could look out over the bustling city.
b. to be vigilant or on guard:
Look out, there are dangers ahead.
c. to afford a view; face:
The room looks out on the garden.
17. look out for, to take watchful care of; be concerned about:
He has to look out for his health.
18. look over, to examine, esp. briefly:
Will you please look over my report before I submit it?
19. look sharp,
a. to be alert and quick:
If you want to get ahead, you must look sharp.
b. Also, Brit.,look slippy.to hurry:
You'd better look sharp! It's getting late.
20. look to,
a. to direct one's glance or gaze to:
If you look to your left, you can see the Empire State Building.
b. to pay attention to:
Look to your own affairs and stay out of mine.
c. to direct one's expectations or hopes to:
We look to the day when world peace will be a reality.
d. to regard with expectation and anticipation:
We look to the future and greater advances in science and technology.
21. look up,
a. to direct the eyes upward; raise one's glance:
The other guests looked up as she entered the room.
b. to become better or more prosperous; improve:
Business is looking up.
c. to search for, as an item of information, in a reference book or the like:
Look up the answer in the encyclopedia.
d. to seek out, esp. to visit:
to look up an old friend.
e. Naut.(of a sailing ship) to head more nearly in the direction of its destination after a favoring change of wind.
22. look up to, to regard with admiration or respect; esteem:
A boy needs a father he can look up to.
—
n.
1. the act of looking:
a look of inquiry.
2. a visual search or examination.
3. the way in which a person or thing appears to the eye or to the mind; aspect:
He has the look of an honest man. The tablecloth has a cheap look.
4. an expressive glance:
to give someone a sharp look.
5. looks,
a. general aspect; appearance:
to like the looks of a place.
b. attractive, pleasing appearance.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
