WordGarden.iolook
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈʊk/
US
- /ˈlʊk/
Meanings
Verb
to direct your eyes toward something or visually examine it
to seem or appear to have a certain quality
in look for, to search for someone or something
Noun
an act of looking or a glance
a particular expression on someone's face
the outward appearance or visual style of someone or something
Beyond the definition
We use look when we turn our eyes toward something. You might say, "Look at that beautiful sunset!" But "look" is not only about using your eyes. It can also mean trying to find something: "I'm looking for my keys." Sometimes it means to seem a certain way: "She looks tired," or "This plan looks promising."
Think of a detective looking for clues, a child looking up at the stars, or a cake that looks delicious. The situation tells you what kind of "look" is happening. It is one of those everyday words that does a lot of work. You can even look forward to something, which means you feel happy that it is coming.
The word "look" seems simple enough, but it does much more than name a basic action with the eyes. At its core, "look" means to turn your eyes in a certain direction or give your attention to something you want to see, as in: "Look at the bird!" or "He looked out the window."
However, "look" also functions as a linking verb, indicating appearance or seeming. "The weather looks stormy" doesn't mean you are performing the action of seeing storminess, but rather that the weather appears to be stormy based on what you observe. Similarly, "She looks happy" means she appears to be experiencing happiness.
"Look" can also express searching: "I'm looking for my glasses." It can even show anticipation: "I'm looking forward to the concert!" This use suggests a happy expectation about something in the future.
Furthermore, different phrases add nuance. To "take a look" means to briefly examine something. A "long look" suggests careful attention or thought. And sometimes, a simple "look" can sound like a strong command: "Just look at what you've done!" It may show disapproval, surprise, or emphasis.
So while we all know how to look, understanding the many ways this word is used shows how much meaning one small word can carry in everyday English.
Examples
- 1
Photo viewing
She looked at the photo for a long time.
- 2
Searching
I'm looking for my keys.
- Patternlook for + person/thing
try to find it
- 3
Appearance
You look tired. Did you sleep badly?
- Patternlook + adjective
seem from appearance
- 4
Family resemblance
You look like your brother in this picture.
- Patternlook like + person/thing
have a similar appearance to them or it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Weather prediction
It looks as if it's going to rain.
- Patternlook as if + clause
seem likely or seem true
- 6
Email check
Can you take a look at this email before I send it?
- Patterntake a look at + thing
check or examine it
- 7
Facial expression
She gave me a strange look and walked away.
- 8
Warning
Look out! There's a bike behind you.
- PhraseLook out!
be careful
- 9
Pet care
Please look after the dog while we're away.
- Patternlook after + person/animal/thing
take care of them or it
- 10
Information search
I looked up the address on my phone.
- Patternlook up + information
search for it
- 11
Investigation
The company is looking into the problem.
- Patternlook into + problem
investigate it
- 12
Future plans
I'm looking forward to seeing you next week.
- Patternlook forward to + noun/-ing
feel happy about something that will happen
- 13
Direct attention
Look, I know you're busy, but I need your answer today.
- UsageLook,
used to get attention before saying something important or direct
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- looknounverb
Forms
- looking-ing formverbnoun
- lookspluralnounverb
- lookedpast tenseverbnoun