look
look — verb
1. to move your eyes and point them at someone or something so that you can see the
to move your eyes and point them at someone or something so that you can see them
Felix looked at the big clock on the wall.
look at + noun phrase
Maja looked out of the window at the birds in the garden.
The little girl looked under her bed but found only an old shoe.
look under + noun
Trang looked up from her book when the phone rang loudly.
Rodrigo looked through the window and saw his friend waiting outside.
- look at
- look out of
- look through
- look into
- ignore
to deliberately not look
Grammar Patterns
look + preposition (at, into, through, out of, etc.)
Usage Note
Unlike 'see', which describes the ability to perceive, 'look' describes the deliberate act of directing the eyes. Frequently followed by a preposition such as 'at', 'into', 'through', or 'out of'.
Common Mistakes
2. to search for someone or something that you need or want to find
to search for someone or something that you need or want to find
Tanvi looked for her car keys in every room of the house.
look for + noun (searching)
Jason is looking for a job in the city near the train station.
Min looked through the pile of papers on her desk for the missing receipt.
The Watanabe family is looking for a new apartment with three bedrooms.
Eitan looked everywhere for his cat before finding it asleep in the closet.
look everywhere for + noun
- look for
- look everywhere for
- look around for
Grammar Patterns
look for + noun
Usage Note
Almost always used with the preposition 'for' to introduce the thing or person being searched for. The phrasal verb 'look for' is equivalent to 'search for' but is more common in everyday speech.
Common Mistakes
3. to show a particular quality or state that people notice through sight, for exam
to show a particular quality or state that people notice through sight, for example that someone looks tired or that a place looks nice
The soup looks delicious; did you add any special spices to it?
look + adjective
Astrid looked tired after working all night on the science project.
The old wooden house looked as if no one had lived there for years.
look as if + clause
That jacket looks like it belongs to someone much younger than you.
look like + clause
Zola looked happy when she saw the birthday cake her friends had brought.
- look happy/sad/tired
- look like
- look as if
- look good/bad
Grammar Patterns
look + adjective
look like + noun/clause
look as if/as though + clause
Usage Note
Functions as a linking verb, similar to 'seem' or 'appear'. When followed by an adjective ('look tired'), the adjective describes the subject, not the action. 'Look like' introduces a noun or clause, while 'look as if/as though' introduces a full clause.
Common Mistakes
4. to be positioned so that the front part is directed toward a particular directio
to be positioned so that the front part is directed toward a particular direction or place
The hotel room looks out over the blue ocean and the sandy beach.
look out over + noun
The bedroom window looks onto a small garden full of roses.
The back of the house looks toward the forest behind the hill.
Our office looks east, so the morning sun comes through the windows.
look + direction (east/west)
- look out over
- look onto
- look toward
- look east/west
Grammar Patterns
look + adverb/preposition of direction (east, west, onto, over, etc.)
Usage Note
Used for buildings, rooms, windows, or vehicles to describe their orientation. The subject is always an inanimate object, not a person.
Common Mistakes
5. used as a command to warn someone of danger or to ask them to notice something i
used as a command to warn someone of danger or to ask them to notice something important
"Look where you are going!" the woman shouted as the boy ran across the road.
imperative: Look + wh-clause
"Look, I have told you three times already — I do not know where your phone is."
"Look out!" Michael yelled when he saw the car coming too fast toward them.
Look out! (warning)
"Look, if we do not leave now, we will miss the last train," said Trang.
- Look!
- Look here!
- Look out!
Grammar Patterns
imperative: Look!
Look + wh-clause
Usage Note
Used at the beginning of a sentence to grab attention or show frustration. 'Look' and 'Look here' are more common in British English, while 'Look' alone is common in all varieties.
6. to have the intention of doing something in the near future; to aim or plan to d
to have the intention of doing something in the near future; to aim or plan to do something
The technology company is looking to hire more software engineers this year.
look to + infinitive (planning)
Walid looked to expand his small business into new markets across Asia.
Many young families are looking to buy their first home in the suburbs.
The government is looking to reduce plastic waste by introducing new recycling rules.
- look to do something
- look to hire
- look to expand
- look to improve
Grammar Patterns
look to + infinitive
Usage Note
Followed by a to-infinitive. More formal than 'plan to' or 'aim to'. Common in business and formal writing.
Common Mistakes
7. to take responsibility for dealing with something that needs attention; to inves
to take responsibility for dealing with something that needs attention; to investigate or handle a matter
The committee will look into the complaint and report back next month.
look into + noun (investigate)
The social worker is looking to the needs of elderly people in the neighborhood.
The school principal promised to look into the problem of bullying in the playground.
We need someone to look to the maintenance of the building while the owner is away.
look to + noun (attend to)
- look into
- look to
- look into a problem
- look to the needs of
- investigate
more formal; suggests a systematic inquiry
- handle
less formal; suggests taking charge of a situation
- deal with
common in both speech and writing
Grammar Patterns
look into + noun
look to + noun
Usage Note
The phrasal verb 'look into' means 'investigate' and is very common. 'Look to' in this sense means 'attend to' or 'take care of' and is more formal.
Common Mistakes
look after
phrasal verbTo take care of someone or something.
My sister looks after our cat when we are on vacation.
Can you look after the children for an hour?
look ahead
phrasal verbTo think about and plan for the future.
We need to look ahead and prepare for next year's budget.
Looking ahead, the company plans to open five new stores.
look around
phrasal verbTo visit a place and see what is there.
We spent the afternoon looking around the old castle.
Do you want to look around the museum before we leave?
look around for
phrasal verbTo search for something in various places.
I am looking around for a new apartment in this area.
She looked around for her keys but couldn't find them.
look at
phrasal verbTo turn your eyes toward something so that you can see it.
Look at the beautiful sunset over the ocean.
Can you look at this photo and tell me who you recognize?
look back
phrasal verbTo think about something that happened in the past.
When I look back on my childhood, I remember happy times.
Looking back, I realize I made the right decision.
look down on
phrasal verbTo think that you are better than someone else.
She looks down on people who don't have a college degree.
It's not nice to look down on others for their mistakes.
look for
phrasal verbTo try to find something or someone.
I am looking for my glasses; have you seen them?
The police are looking for the missing child.
look forward to
phrasal verbTo feel happy and excited about something that is going to happen.
I look forward to meeting you at the conference next week.
The children are looking forward to their summer vacation.
look in
phrasal verbTo make a short visit to a place or person.
I'll look in on my grandmother on my way home.
Why don't you look in at the new bookstore downtown?
look into
phrasal verbTo try to find out the truth about something.
The committee will look into the complaint carefully.
We need to look into the cause of the accident.
look on
phrasal verbTo watch something happening without taking part.
The crowd looked on as the firefighters battled the blaze.
I just looked on while they argued about the plan.
look on as
phrasal verbTo consider someone or something to be a particular thing.
I look on him as a brother, even though we are not related.
Many people look on this park as the heart of the city.
look on with
phrasal verbTo watch something with a particular feeling.
The teacher looked on with pride as her students performed.
He looked on with envy as his friend received the award.
look out
phrasal verbUsed to warn someone to be careful, especially of danger.
Look out! There's a car coming very fast.
You should look out for icy patches on the road.
look out for
phrasal verbTo try to notice someone or something, especially to avoid danger.
Please look out for my little brother at the playground.
When hiking, look out for snakes on the trail.
look over
phrasal verbTo examine something quickly, especially a document.
Could you look over my report before I submit it?
The mechanic looked over the engine to find the problem.
look round
phrasal verbTo turn your head to see what is behind you.
He looked round to see if anyone was following him.
When I called her name, she looked round and smiled.
look round for
phrasal verbTo search for something by looking in different places.
I looked round for a seat but the cafe was full.
She looked round for her friend in the crowd.
look through
phrasal verbTo read or examine something quickly, especially a set of papers.
I looked through the magazine while waiting for the bus.
The detective looked through the files for any clues.
look to
phrasal verbTo depend on someone to provide help or advice.
Many people look to the government for support during a crisis.
When in trouble, I always look to my best friend for advice.
look to for
phrasal verbTo expect someone to provide something, such as help or guidance.
The team looks to their captain for leadership.
Parents often look to teachers for advice on education.
look to to do
phrasal verbTo expect someone to do something.
We look to our manager to make the final decision.
The community looks to the mayor to solve the problem.
look up
phrasal verbTo try to find information in a book, on a computer, etc.
I need to look up the meaning of this word in a dictionary.
You can look up the train schedule online.
look up to
phrasal verbTo admire and respect someone.
Many young athletes look up to professional players.
I have always looked up to my older sister for her kindness.
be just looking
idiomUsed in a store to tell a worker that you do not want to buy anything right now.
When the clerk asked if I needed help, I said I was just looking.
Are you just looking, or can I help you find something?
To try to find a way to do something.
Our company is looking to expand into new markets next year.
Sara is looking to buy a house near the city center.
To be considered rude or socially unacceptable.
It looks bad to arrive late for an important meeting.
Not thanking your host after dinner does not look good.
To show that something unpleasant is likely to happen to someone.
With his fever rising, things are looking bad for little Tom.
If the storm continues, it looks bad for the sailors at sea.
look good
idiomTo show that something is successful or likely to have a good result.
The latest test results look good for the new medicine.
Does the project timeline look good to you?
look here
idiomUsed to express strong disagreement or annoyance about something.
Look here, I never agreed to work on weekends.
Now look here, that's not what we discussed earlier.
look how/what/who…
idiomUsed to give an example that supports or explains what you are saying.
Look how quickly Maya finished her homework today.
Be careful with that knife; look what happened to Brian.
look no further
idiomUsed to say that something is exactly what someone needs, so they do not need to search more.
If you want a reliable car, look no further than this model.
For the best pizza in town, look no further than Luigi's.
To look at someone in a way that shows you are judging them carefully or critically.
The security guard looked me up and down before letting me in.
When I entered the room, she looked me up and down with disapproval.
(not) look yourself
idiomTo not have your usual healthy appearance, often because you are tired or ill.
You don't look yourself today; are you feeling okay?
After the long flight, Diego didn't look himself at all.
never/not look back
idiomTo become more and more successful after a particular point.
After she won the competition, she never looked back.
Since he started his own business, he hasn't looked back.
not much to look at
idiomNot attractive in appearance.
The old house is not much to look at, but it's very cozy inside.
His car is not much to look at, but it runs perfectly.
Judging from the appearance of someone or something.
To look at her, you'd never guess she is a famous scientist.
To look at the cake, you'd think it was store-bought.
look — noun
1. an act of using your eyes to see someone or something, especially for a short ti
an act of using your eyes to see someone or something, especially for a short time
Felix took a quick look at his watch and realized he was late.
take a look at + noun
Can I have a look at your new camera? It looks very nice.
have a look at + noun
The doctor took one look at the wound and knew it needed stitches.
Maja had a quick look at the menu before deciding what to order.
- take a look
- have a look
- quick look
- look at
Grammar Patterns
have/take a look at + noun
Usage Note
Common in the fixed phrases 'take a look' and 'have a look', which are followed by 'at' to introduce the object seen.
Common Mistakes
2. the action of searching for a person or thing that you have lost or need
the action of searching for a person or thing that you have lost or need
Tanvi had a look for her glasses but could not find them anywhere.
have a look for + noun
The police had a look around the neighborhood for the missing dog.
Jason had a quick look through the cupboard for some sugar.
have a look through + noun
We should have another look for the key before calling the locksmith.
- have a look for
- have a look around
- have another look
Grammar Patterns
have a look for + noun
Usage Note
Common in the phrases 'have a look for' or 'have a look around'. The preposition changes depending on the scope of the search ('for' specifies the target; 'around' specifies the area).
3. the way someone's face shows their feelings, mood, or attitude at a particular m
the way someone's face shows their feelings, mood, or attitude at a particular moment
When Eitan heard the news, a worried look appeared on his face.
a ... look (facial expression)
The teacher gave the noisy students a stern look that made them quiet.
Rodrigo had a look of pure joy when he saw his family at the airport.
a look of + emotion
Zola's look of surprise told us she had not expected the gift at all.
- a worried/sad/happy look
- a look of surprise/joy/anger
- give someone a look
- expression
broader; can refer to the face or voice
- face
informal; 'the look on his face' vs 'his face'
Grammar Patterns
a/an + adjective + look + on + face
a look of + emotion
Usage Note
When describing the expression itself, use 'a ... look on someone's face'. When describing the emotion, use 'a look of + emotion'.
Common Mistakes
4. a particular style, design, or fashion that something has, especially in clothin
a particular style, design, or fashion that something has, especially in clothing, decoration, or architecture
The new restaurant has a modern look with white walls and metal chairs.
has a ... look (style)
Astrid wanted a vintage look for her wedding, so she chose an old-fashioned dress.
The company changed the look of their logo to attract younger customers.
This season the casual look is very popular among college students in Taipei.
the ... look (fashion trend)
- a modern/vintage/classic look
- the ... look
- change the look of
Grammar Patterns
a/an + adjective + look
Usage Note
Often modified by an adjective describing the design aesthetic ('modern', 'vintage', 'casual', 'classic'). 'The look' can also refer to a general fashion trend.
5. the way someone or something appears to other people visually
the way someone or something appears to other people visually
The old building had a tired look, with paint peeling off the walls.
the ... look (appearance of thing)
Min's garden has a beautiful look in spring when all the flowers bloom.
From the look of the dark clouds, it is going to rain very soon.
from the look of + noun
The cake had a strange look, so nobody wanted to try even a small piece.
- the look of
- from the look of
- by the look of
- a ... look
- appearance
slightly more formal; can include non-visual impressions
- aspect
more formal and literary
Grammar Patterns
the look of + noun
by/from the look of + noun
Usage Note
The phrase 'by the look of' or 'from the look of' is used to make a judgment based on visual evidence: 'From the look of the sky, it will rain.'
Common Mistakes
6. the way a person looks physically, with the focus on how beautiful or handsome t
the way a person looks physically, with the focus on how beautiful or handsome they are
Trang has kept her good looks even into her fifties.
good looks
Michael got his looks from his mother's side of the family.
looks (plural, physical appearance)
The actor is famous for his striking looks rather than his acting skills.
Zola cares more about kindness and honesty than about looks.
- good looks
- striking looks
- lose your looks
- looks
- appearance
more general; includes style, dress, and physical features
- beauty
stronger; implies a high degree of attractiveness
Grammar Patterns
looks
good looks
Usage Note
Always plural ('looks') when referring to a person's physical attractiveness. 'Good looks' is the most common positive collocation. The singular 'look' in this sense would sound unnatural.
Common Mistakes
7. an act of carefully thinking about or examining a situation, problem, or piece o
an act of carefully thinking about or examining a situation, problem, or piece of work
The city council is taking a close look at the plan to build a new park.
take a close look at + noun (examine)
We need to have a look at why so many students are leaving the program.
The committee took a hard look at the budget before making any decisions.
take a hard look at + noun
Scientists are having another look at the data from last year's experiments.
- take a look at
- have a look at
- close look
- hard look
- another look
- examination
more formal; suggests a systematic inspection
- review
suggests going over something again
- inspection
suggests checking against a standard
Grammar Patterns
take/have a look at + noun (figurative, = examine)
Usage Note
Used figuratively, not involving actual sight. Common with adjectives like 'close', 'hard', or 'critical' to indicate the depth of the examination.
look — exclamation
1. said when you are annoyed or upset and you want someone to pay attention to your
said when you are annoyed or upset and you want someone to pay attention to your complaint or objection
"Look, I have had enough of your excuses," the manager said angrily.
interjection expressing anger
"Look, can we please talk about this another time?" asked Astrid.
"Look, that is my seat," the woman said to the man sitting in it.
"Look, I do not have time for this right now," said Michael, walking away.
Grammar Patterns
Look! (introducing a complaint or objection)
Usage Note
Placed at the beginning of a sentence to signal frustration or impatience. Stronger than 'hey' and often used when the speaker has already tried to make their point politely.
Word family
- lookoutnounB2
- lookernounC1
- look-alikenounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
All five verbs describe using your eyes to see, but they differ in duration, intensity, and purpose. 'Look' is the neutral, general term — you move your eyes toward something deliberately. 'Glance' is a very quick look, often without full attention ('She glanced at her phone'). 'Gaze' is a long, steady look, often driven by wonder, thought, or affection ('He gazed at the stars for hours'). 'Stare' is a fixed, intense look that may be considered rude or aggressive ('It is rude to stare at strangers'). 'Peer' involves looking closely or with difficulty, often because of poor light or obstructions ('She peered through the fog to read the sign'). 'Watch' differs in that it involves sustained attention to movement or change over time ('They watched the sun set'). Choose 'glance' for speed, 'gaze' for emotional wonder, 'stare' for rudeness or intensity, 'peer' for difficulty in seeing, and 'watch' for following ongoing action.
Common collocations
Phrases
- take a look
- have a look
- look forward to
- look out for
- look up to
- look down on
Etymology
The word 'look' comes from Old English 'lōcian', meaning 'to see, gaze, or observe'. It traces further back to Proto-West Germanic '*lōkōn', also the source of Old Saxon 'lōkōn' (to look) and Old High German 'luogēn' (to look, peer). The word has been part of English since before the year 900 and has remained a core verb across all periods of the language. Its noun and interjection uses developed later, with the exclamation use ('Look!') appearing in Middle English as a way to command attention.