look

Syllabification: (look)

Pronunciation: /lo͝ok/

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Definition of look

verb

[no object]

1direct one’s gaze toward someone or something or in a specified direction:people were looking at him they looked up as he came quietly into the room
(of a building or room) have a view or outlook in a specified direction:the principal rooms look out over Nahant Bay
(look through) ignore (someone) by pretending not to see them:he glanced up once but looked right through me
[with object] dated express or show (something) by one’s gaze:Poirot looked a question
(look something over) inspect something quickly with a view to establishing its merits:they looked over a property on Ryer Avenue
(look through) peruse (a book or other written material):we looked through all the books, and this was still the one we liked best
(look round/around) move around (a place or building) in order to view whatever it might contain that is of interest:he spent the morning and afternoon looking around Cambridge
(look at/on) think of or regard in a specified way:I look at tennis differently from some coaches
(look at) examine (a matter, especially a problem) and consider what action to take:a committee is looking at the financing of PBS
(look into) investigate:the police looked into his business dealings
(look for) attempt to find:Howard has been looking for you
[with clause] ascertain with a quick glance:people finishing work don’t look where they’re going

2have the appearance or give the impression of being:her father looked unhappy the home looked like a prison [as adjective, in combination]: (-looking)a funny-looking guy
(look like) informal show a likelihood of:it doesn’t look like you’ll be moving to Brooklyn
(look oneself) appear one’s normal, healthy self:he just didn’t look himself at all

3 (look to) rely on to do or provide something:she will look to you for help
[with infinitive] hope or expect to do something:universities are looking to expand their intakes
archaic take care; make sure:Look ye obey the masters of the craft

noun

1an act of directing one’s gaze in order to see someone or something:let me get a closer look
an expression of a feeling or thought by directing one’s gaze:Brenton gave me a funny look
a scrutiny or examination:the government should be taking a look at the amount of grant the council receives

2the appearance of someone or something, especially as expressing a particular quality:the bedraggled look of the village
(looks) a person’s facial appearance considered aesthetically:he had charm, good looks, and an amusing insouciance
a style or fashion:Italian designers unveiled their latest look

exclamation

(also look here!)

used to call attention to what one is going to say:“Look, this is ridiculous.”

Phrases

look one's age: appear to be as old as one really is.
look before you leap: proverb one shouldn’t act without first considering the possible consequences or dangers.
look daggers at: see dagger.
look down one's nose at: another way of saying look down on.
look for trouble: see trouble.
look someone in the eye (or face): look directly at someone without showing embarrassment, fear, or shame.
look lively (or or datedalive): [usually in imperative] informal move more quickly and energetically:“Look lively, men!” Charlie shouted
look the other way: deliberately ignore wrongdoing by others:the authorities simply seem content to look the other way
look sharp: be quick.
look small: see small.
look to the future: consider and plan for what is in the future, rather than worrying about the past or present.
look someone up and down: scrutinize someone carefully.

Phrasal Verbs

look after: take care of:women who stay at home to look after children
look back
look down on: regard (someone) with a feeling of superiority.
look forward to: await eagerly:we look forward to seeing you
look in: make a short visit or call:I will look in on you tomorrow
look on: watch without getting involved:Cameron was looking on and making no move to help
look out: [usually in imperative] be vigilant and take notice:“Look out!” warned Billie, seeing a movement from the room beyond look out for the early warning signals
look something out: British search for and produce something:I’ve got a catalog somewhere and I’ll look it out if you’re interested
look up: (of a situation) improve:things seemed to be looking up at last
look someone up: informal make social contact with someone.
look something up: search for and find a piece of information in a reference book.
look up to: have a great deal of respect for (someone):he needed a model, someone to look up to

Origin:

Old English lōcian (verb); related to German dialect lugen

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Definition of look in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

look

verb

noun

exclamation

Phrases

look one's age

look before you leap

look daggers at

look down one's nose at

look for trouble

look someone in the eye (or face)

look lively (or or datedalive)

look the other way

look sharp

look small

look to the future

look someone up and down

Phrasal Verbs

look after

look back

look down on

look forward to

look in

look on

look out

look something out

look up

look someone up

look something up

look up to

Origin:

look in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

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