How Do You Spell LOOKS ASKANCE?

Pronunciation: [lˈʊks ɐskˈans] (IPA)

The phrase "looks askance" is often used to describe a skeptical or disapproving gaze. It is pronounced /lʊks əˈskæns/ which is written phonetically as "looks uh-skan(t)s". The word "askance" has an unusual spelling, with the "a" and "s" combining to create a "sk" sound, followed by the "ance" ending. This spelling is derived from the Middle French word "escance", meaning "sideways". Despite its unusual spelling, "askance" is a well-known and commonly used word in English.

LOOKS ASKANCE Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "looks askance" refers to a specific behavior or gesture where someone casts a sideways or sidelong glance, usually accompanied by an expression of doubt, suspicion, or disapproval. This phrase is typically used figuratively to describe a person's skeptical or dubious response to something or someone. It conveys a sense of deliberate scrutiny, often implying a lack of trust or belief in the subject matter being observed.

    When someone "looks askance," they are employing their eyes to observe with skepticism or hesitation, indicating a degree of wariness or distrust. This action can suggest a critical assessment of the situation or a mild form of disapproval. The sideways glance further emphasizes the sense of skepticism, as it deviates from the conventional direct gaze associated with trust and openness.

    The phrase "looks askance" can also allude to a person's reaction to specific behaviors or actions that seem unusual, questionable, or morally ambiguous. It suggests an inclination to view things with caution, possibly due to the person's past experiences or cautious nature. In some cases, "looks askance" portrays an individual's skepticism or suspicion regarding the intentions, motives, or truthfulness of others.

    Overall, "looks askance" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a discerning, doubtful, or disapproving glance that reflects a person's skepticism, wariness, or lack of trust towards a situation, statement, or individual.

Common Misspellings for LOOKS ASKANCE

  • looks askanae
  • looks askanbe
  • looks askancu
  • looks askancm
  • looks askanca
  • looks askancg
  • lowoksaskance
  • l ooks askance
  • lo oks askance
  • loo ks askance
  • look s askance
  • looks a skance
  • looks as kance
  • looks ask ance
  • looks aska nce
  • looks askan ce
  • looks askanc e

Etymology of LOOKS ASKANCE

The phrase "looks askance" is derived from the Middle English word "askance", which means "to turn aside, glance sideways". The term has its roots in the Old English word "ascance" and the Old Norse word "askōns", both of which also mean "sideways". Over time, "askance" has come to refer to looking with suspicion, doubt, or disapproval. The word "look" is simply added to convey the act of observing or regarding someone or something in this particular manner.