look: Meaning and Definition of

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.
—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. to bring, put, etc., by looks.
  6. She looked after him as he walked toward the train station.
    1. to follow with the eye, as someone or something moving away:She looked after him as he walked toward the train station.
    2. to pay attention to; concern oneself with:to look after one's own interests.
    3. to take care of; minister to:to look after a child.
  7. 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. to look at someone with a furious, menacing expression: I could see my partner looking daggers at me.
  9. to regard with scorn or disdain; have contempt for: They look down on all foreigners.
  10. to regard with an overbearing attitude of superiority, disdain, or censure: The more advanced students really looked down their noses at the beginners.
  11. Columbus was looking for a shorter route to India when he discovered America.
    1. to seek; search for:Columbus was looking for a shorter route to India when he discovered America.
    2. to anticipate; expect:I'll be looking for you at the reception.
  12. to anticipate with eagerness or pleasure: I always look forward to your visits.
  13. Look in the jar and tell me if any cookies are left.
    1. Also,look into.to look briefly inside of:Look in the jar and tell me if any cookies are left.
    2. Also,look in on.to visit (a person, place, etc.) briefly:I'll look in some day next week.
  14. to inquire into; investigate; examine: The auditors are looking into the records to find the cause of the discrepancy.
  15. The crowd looked on at the street brawl.
    1. to be a spectator; watch:The crowd looked on at the street brawl.
    2. to consider; regard:They look upon gambling as sinful.
  16. From her office window, she could look out over the bustling city.
    1. 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.
    2. to be vigilant or on guard:Look out, there are dangers ahead.
    3. to afford a view; face:The room looks out on the garden.
  17. to take watchful care of; be concerned about: He has to look out for his health.
  18. to examine, esp. briefly: Will you please look over my report before I submit it?
  19. If you want to get ahead, you must look sharp.
    1. to be alert and quick:If you want to get ahead, you must look sharp.
    2. Also,Brit.,look slippy.to hurry:You'd better look sharp! It's getting late.
  20. If you look to your left, you can see the Empire State Building.
    1. to direct one's glance or gaze to:If you look to your left, you can see the Empire State Building.
    2. to pay attention to:Look to your own affairs and stay out of mine.
    3. to direct one's expectations or hopes to:We look to the day when world peace will be a reality.
    4. to regard with expectation and anticipation:We look to the future and greater advances in science and technology.
  21. The other guests looked up as she entered the room.
    1. to direct the eyes upward; raise one's glance:The other guests looked up as she entered the room.
    2. to become better or more prosperous; improve:Business is looking up.
    3. to search for, as an item of information, in a reference book or the like:Look up the answer in the encyclopedia.
    4. to seek out, esp. to visit:to look up an old friend.
    5. Naut.(of a sailing ship) to head more nearly in the direction of its destination after a favoring change of wind.
  22. 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. to like the looks of a place.
    1. general aspect; appearance:to like the looks of a place.
    2. attractive, pleasing appearance.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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