look
to try to find something or someone
I'm looking for my keys.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
verb (looks, looking, looked )
1 to turn your eyes towards somebody or something and try to see them:
Look at this picture.
You should look both ways before you cross the road.
Look at the note at see.
2 to seem to be; to appear:
You look tired.
It looks as if it's going to rain.
3 You say look to make somebody listen to you:
Look, I know you're busy, but I need your help.
look after somebody or something to take care of somebody or something:
Can you look after my cat when I'm on holiday?
look for somebody or something to try to find somebody or something:
I'm looking for my keys.
look forward to something to wait for something with pleasure:
I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
look into something to study or try to find out something:
We will look into the problem.
look like somebody or something
1 to seem to be something:
That looks like a good film.
2 words that you use to ask about somebody's appearance:
'What does he look like?' 'He's tall with dark hair.'
3 to have the same appearance as somebody or something:
She looks like her mother.
look out! be careful:
Look out! There's a car coming!
look out for somebody or something to pay attention and try to see or find somebody or something:
Look out for thieves!
look round something to visit a place:
We looked round the museum.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
look
I. look1 S1 W1 /lʊk/ BrE AmE verb
[Language: Old English; Origin: locian]
1. SEE [intransitive] to turn your eyes towards something, so that you can see it:
We sneaked out while Jessie’s mom wasn’t looking.
If you look carefully you can see that the painting represents a human figure.
Gina covered her eyes, afraid to look.
look at
‘It’s time we left,’ Ian said, looking at his watch.
The men all turned to look at her as she entered the room.
look away/over/down etc
Dad looked up from his paper and smiled.
‘We can’t go out in this weather,’ said Bob, looking out of the window.
2. SEARCH [intransitive] to try to find something:
I looked everywhere but Jimmy was nowhere to be found.
look for
Could you help me look for my contact lens?
If you’re looking for a bargain, try the local market.
look in/under/between etc
Try looking under the bed.
3. SEEM [linking verb] to seem:
From the way things look at the moment, the Republicans are unlikely to win this election.
look good/bad etc
The future’s looking good.
it looks as if/as though/like (=it seems likely that)
It looks as if it might rain later.
It looks like they won’t be needing us any more.
You made me look really stupid in front of all my friends!
4. APPEARANCE [linking verb] to have a particular appearance:
How do I look?
look tired/happy/sad etc
You look tired. You should go to bed.
look as if/as though/like
He looked as if he hadn’t washed for a week.
What did the man look like?
My sister doesn’t look anything like me. ⇨ look like a million dollars at ↑million(4)
5. look daggers at somebody informal to look at someone with a very angry expression on your face
6. look somebody up and down to look at someone carefully from their head to their feet, as if you were forming an opinion about them
7. look somebody in the eye to look directly at someone when you are speaking to them, especially to show that you are not afraid of them or that you are telling the truth:
Owen didn’t dare look his father in the eye.
8. look down your nose at somebody/something to behave as if you think that someone or something is not good enough for you:
He looks down his nose at anyone foreign.
9. look the other way to ignore something bad that is happening and not try to stop it:
Prison guards looked the other way as the man was attacked by fellow prisoners.
10. look no further used to say that something you are offering is exactly what someone has been trying to find:
Want a quiet country retreat for your weekend break? Then look no further!
11. FACE A DIRECTION [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a building looks in a particular direction, it faces that direction:
The cabin looks east, so we get the morning sun.
12. look before you leap used to say that it is sensible to think about the possible dangers or difficulties of something before doing it
13. be looking to do something informal to be planning or expecting to do something:
We’re looking to buy a new car early next year.
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
14. look
a) used to tell someone to look at something that you think is interesting, surprising etc:
Look! There’s a fox!
b) used to get someone’s attention so that you can suggest something or tell them something:
Look. Why don’t you think about it and give me your answer tomorrow?
Look, I’ve had enough of this. I’m going home.
15. look out! used to warn someone that they are in danger SYN watch out:
Look out! There’s a car coming.
16. look at that! used to tell someone to look at something that you think is interesting, bad etc:
Look at that! What a horrible mess!
17. look who’s here! used when someone arrives unexpectedly:
Well, look who’s here! It’s Jill and Paul!
18. don’t look now used to say that you have seen someone but do not want them to know you have noticed them:
Oh no! Don’t look now but here comes Tony.
19. look what you’re doing/look where you’re going etc used to tell someone to be careful:
Look where you’re putting your feet! There’s mud all over the carpet!
20. look what you’ve done! used to angrily tell someone to look at the result of a mistake they have made or something bad they have done:
Look what you’ve done – my jacket’s ruined!
21. look here old-fashioned used to get someone’s attention in order to tell them something, especially when you are annoyed with them:
Look here, you can’t say things like that to me!
22. (I’m) just looking used when you are in a shop, to say that you are only looking at things, but do not intend to buy anything now:
‘Can I help you?’ ‘No, thanks. I’m just looking.’ ⇨ look kindly on somebody/something at ↑kindly1(3)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ look to turn your eyes towards someone or something, so that you can see them: You should never look directly at the sun. | After a while, he turned and looked at me.
▪ have/take a look especially spoken to look at something quickly, especially in order to find or check something: I’ll have a look in my desk. | Take a look at this!
▪ glance to look at someone or something for a short time and then look quickly away: Damien glanced nervously at his watch.
▪ peek/peep (also take a peek/peep) to look quickly at something. Used especially when you are not supposed to look, or when you are looking through a small gap: The door was open so he peeked inside. | Katy peeped at her birthday present on the table.
▪ peer to look very carefully, especially because you cannot see well: Kenji was peering at the screen.
▪ glare to look at someone in an angry way: She glared at me as I got up to leave.
▪ stare to look at someone or something for a long time without moving your eyes: It’s rude to stare. | She stared straight into the camera.
▪ gaze to look at someone or something for a long time, often without realizing that you are doing it: She gazed out of the window. | He lay on his bed gazing at the ceiling.
▪ gape to look at someone or something for a long time, usually with your mouth open, because you are very shocked or surprised: People gaped at him with wide-open mouths.
▪ regard formal to look at someone or something, especially in a particular way: He regarded her steadily.
look after somebody/something phrasal verb especially British English
1. to take care of someone by helping them, giving them what they need, or keeping them safe SYN take care of:
Don’t worry, I’ll look after the kids tomorrow.
Susan looked after us very well. She’s an excellent cook.
You could tell that the horse had been well looked after.
2. to be responsible for dealing with something SYN take care of:
I’m leaving you here to look after the business until I get back.
3. look after yourself especially British English spoken used when you are saying goodbye to someone in a friendly way
4. can look after yourself to not need anyone else to take care of you:
Don’t worry about Maisie – she can look after herself.
look ahead phrasal verb
to think about and plan for what might happen in the future:
Looking ahead, we must expect radical changes to be made in our system of government.
look around (also look round British English) phrasal verb
1. to try to find something
look around for
Jason’s going to start looking around for a new job.
2. look around/round (something) to look at what is in a place such as a building, shop, town etc, especially when you are walking:
Do we have to pay to look around the castle?
Let’s look round the shops.
look at somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to turn your eyes towards someone or something, so that you can see them:
The twins looked at each other and smiled.
2. to read something quickly in order to form an opinion of it:
I really can’t comment on the report – I haven’t had time to look at it yet.
3. to examine something and try to find out what is wrong with it:
You should get the doctor to look at that cut.
Can you look at my car? There’s a strange noise coming from the front wheel.
4. to study and think about something, especially in order to decide what to do:
We need to look very carefully at ways of improving our efficiency.
5. look at somebody/something spoken used to mention someone or something as an example:
You don’t have to be smart to be good at music – look at Gary.
6. to think about something in a particular way SYN see:
I’d like to be friends again, but Richard doesn’t look at it that way.
7. not much to look at informal if someone or something is not much to look at, they are not attractive
look back phrasal verb
1. to think about something that happened in the past
look back on/to
When I look back on those days I realize I was desperately unhappy.
Looking back on it, I still can’t figure out what went wrong.
2. never look back to become more and more successful, especially after a particular success:
After winning the scholarship he never looked back.
look down on something/somebody phrasal verb
to think that you are better than someone else, for example because you are more successful, or of a higher social class than they are:
Mr Garcia looks down on anyone who hasn’t had a college education.
look for somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to try to find something that you have lost, or someone who is not where they should be SYN search for:
I’m looking for Steve – have you seen him?
Detectives are still looking for the escaped prisoner. ⇨ ↑search2(1)
2. be looking for somebody/something to be trying to find a particular kind of thing or person:
I’m sorry, we’re really looking for someone with no family commitments.
be (just) what/who you are looking for
‘Salubrious’! That’s just the word I was looking for.
3. be looking for trouble informal to be behaving in a way that makes it likely that problems or violence will happen:
They walked into a bar looking for trouble.
look forward to something phrasal verb
to be excited and pleased about something that is going to happen:
I’m really looking forward to our vacation.
look forward to doing something
My mother says she’s looking forward to meeting you.
look in phrasal verb informal
to make a short visit to someone, while you are going somewhere else, especially if they are ill or need help SYN drop in, call in
look in on
I promised to look in on Dad and see if he’s feeling any better.
look into something phrasal verb
to try to find out the truth about a problem, crime etc in order to solve it SYN investigate:
Police are looking into the disappearance of two children.
look on phrasal verb
1. to watch something happening, without being involved in it or trying to stop it ⇨ onlooker:
Only one man tried to help us, the rest just looked on in silence.
2. look on somebody/something (also look upon somebody/something) to consider someone or something in a particular way, or as a particular thing
look on as
I look on him as a good friend.
look on with
Strangers to the village are looked upon with a mixture of fear and suspicion.
look something ↔ out phrasal verb
to search for and find a particular thing among your possessions:
I’ll look out some of my old books for you.
look out for somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to pay attention to what is happening around you, so that you will notice a particular person or thing if you see them ⇨ lookout:
Look out for your Aunt while you’re at the station.
He’s looking out for a nice apartment downtown.
2. to try to make sure that someone is treated well:
My older brother always looked out for me when we were kids.
look out for yourself/number one (=think only of the advantages you can get for yourself)
look something/somebody ↔ over phrasal verb
to examine something or someone quickly, without paying much attention to detail:
Do you have a few minutes to look these samples over?
look round phrasal verb British English
to ↑look around
look through somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to look for something among a pile of papers, in a drawer, in someone’s pockets etc SYN go through:
I’ve looked through all my papers but I still can’t find the contract.
2. to not notice or pretend to not notice someone you know, even though you see them
look straight/right through somebody
I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me.
look to somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to depend on someone to provide help, advice etc
look to somebody/something for
We look to you for support.
look to somebody to do something
They’re looking to the new manager to make the company profitable.
2. to pay attention to something, especially in order to improve it:
We must look to our defences.
look up phrasal verb
1. if a situation is looking up, it is improving SYN improve, get better:
Now the summer’s here things are looking up!
2. look something ↔ up if you look up information in a book, on a computer etc, you try to find it there:
Look the word up in your dictionary.
I’ll just look up the train times.
3. look somebody ↔ up to visit someone you know, especially when you are in the place where they live for a different reason:
Don’t forget to look me up when you come to Atlanta.
look up to somebody phrasal verb
to admire or respect someone:
I’ve always looked up to Bill for his courage and determination.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
look
look [look looks looked looking] verb, noun, exclamation [lʊk] [lʊk]
verb
USE EYES
1. intransitive to turn your eyes in a particular direction
• If you look carefully you can just see our house from here.
• ~ (at sb/sth) She looked at me and smiled.
• ‘Has the mail come yet?’ ‘I'll look and see.’
• Look! I'm sure that's Brad Pitt!
• Don't look now, but there's someone staring at you!
see also forward-looking
SEARCH
2. intransitive to try to find sb/sth
• I can't find my book— I've looked everywhere.
• ~ for sb/sth Where have you been? We've been looking for you.
• Are you still looking for a job?
• We're looking for someone with experience for this post.
PAY ATTENTION
3. intransitive, transitive to pay attention to sth
• ~ (at sth) Look at the time! We're going to be late.
• ~ where, what, etc… Can't you look where you're going?
APPEAR/SEEM
4. linking verb to seem; to appear
• + adj. to look pale/happy/tired
• That book looks interesting.
• ~ (to sb) like sb/sth That looks like an interesting book.
• + noun That looks an interesting book.
• You made me look a complete fool!
see also good-looking
5. intransitive (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have a similar appearance to sb/sth; to have an appearance that suggests that sth is true or will happen
• ~ (to sb) like sb/sth That photograph doesn't look like her at all.
• It looks like rain (= it looks as if it's going to rain).
• ~ (to sb) as if…/as though… You look as though you slept badly.
• They don't look like they're trying to win. In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though in this meaning, especially in NAmE
• You look like you slept badly. This is not considered correct in written BrE.
6. intransitive to seem likely
• ~ (to sb) as if…/as though… It doesn't look as if we'll be moving after all.
• ~ (to sb) like… (informal) It doesn't look like we'll be moving after all. This use of like instead of as if or as though is not considered correct in written BrE.
FACE
7. intransitive + adv./prep. to face a particular direction
• The house looks east.
• The hotel looks out over the harbour.
Rem: Most idioms containing look are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example look daggers at sb is at dagger.
Verb forms:
Word Origin:
Old English lōcian (verb), of West Germanic origin; related to German dialect lugen.
Thesaurus:
look verb
1. I
• She looked at me and smiled.
watch • • see • • glance • • stare • • peer • • glare • |informal check sth out • |formal view • • observe • • regard • • contemplate • |especially written gaze •
look/glance/stare/peer/glare/gaze at sb/sth
look/watch for sb/sth
look/watch/stare at/view/observe/regard/contemplate (sb/sth) with amazement/surprise/disapproval, etc
2. I
• Are you still looking for a job?
search • • hunt • • scout • |formal seek • |written forage • • cast about/around for sth •
look/search/hunt/scout/seek/forage for sth
look/search/hunt/scout/forage around (for sth)
look/search/hunt through sth
look for/search for/seek/cast around for a/an alternative/way
look/search/hunt for clues
3. linking verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
• You look tired.
seem • • appear • • sound • • feel •
look/seem/appear/sound/feel odd/OK/nice, etc.
look/seem/sound/feel like sth
look/seem/sound/feel as if/as though …
look/seem/appear to be sth
Synonyms:
look
glance • gaze • stare • glimpse • glare
These are all words for an act of looking, when you turn your eyes in a particular direction.
look • an act of looking at sb/sth: ▪ Here, have a look at this.
glance • a quick look: ▪ She stole a glance at her watch.
gaze • a long steady look at sb/sth: ▪ She felt embarrassed under his steady gaze.
stare • a long look at sb/sth, especially in a way that is unfriendly or that shows surprise: ▪ She gave the officer a blank stare and shrugged her shoulders.
glimpse • a look at sb/sth for a very short time, when you do not see the person or thing completely: ▪ He caught a glimpse of her in the crowd.
glare • a long angry look at sb/sth: ▪ She fixed her questioner with a hostile glare.
a look/glance at sb/sth
a penetrating/piercing look/glance/gaze/stare
a long look/glance/stare
a brief look/glance/glimpse
to have/get/take a look/glance/glimpse
to avoid sb's glance/gaze/stare
Synonyms:
look
watch • see • view • observe
These words all mean to turn your eyes in a particular direction.
look • to turn your eyes in a particular direction: ▪ If you look carefully you can just see our house from here. ◊ ▪ She ▪ looked at ▪ me and smiled.
watch • to look at sb/sth for a time, paying attention to what happens: ▪ to watch television ◊ ▪ Watch what I do, then you try.
see • to watch a game, television programme, performance, etc: ▪ In the evening we went to see a movie.
view • (formal) to look at sth, especially when you look carefully; to watch television, a film/movie, etc: ▪ People came from all over the world to view her work.
watch, see or view?
You can see/view a film/movie/programme but you cannot: see/view television. View is more formal than see and is used especially in business contexts.
observe • (formal) to watch sb/sth carefully, especially to learn more about them or it: ▪ The patients were observed over a period of several months.
to look/watch for sb/sth
to watch/observe what/who/how…
to look/watch/view/observe (sb/sth) with amazement/surprise/disapproval, etc.
to watch/see/view a film/movie/show/programme
to watch/see a match/game/fight
to look (at sb/sth)/watch (sb/sth)/observe sb/sth carefully/closely
Which Word?:
take care of / look after / care for
You can take care of or, especially in BrE, look after someone who is very young, very old, or sick, or something that needs keeping in good condition: ▪ We’ve asked my mother to take care of/look after the kids while we’re away. ◊ ▪ You can borrow my camera if you promise to take care of/look after it.
In more formal language you can also care for someone: ▪ She does some voluntary work, caring for the elderly, but care for is more commonly used to mean ‘like’: ▪ I don’t really care for spicy food.
Example Bank:
• It doesn't look as if we'll be moving after all.
• It looks like rain.
• That photograph doesn't look like her at all.
• You look tired.
• ‘It's beautiful!’ ‘Oh! Let me look!’
• He looked longingly at the food on the table.
• He turned to look as she came down the stairs.
• He was looking studiously down to avoid meeting her eyes.
• I looked up angrily at my brother.
• I'll look and see if I've got any sugar in the cupboard.
• It looks to me as if the company is in real trouble.
• Look at the machine quite carefully before you buy it.
• Now is the time to look again at these arguments.
• She looked around helplessly.
• She looked over to where the others were chatting.
• She looked towards the door.
• She looked up at me sharply when I said that.
• The kitchen looks onto the garden.
• The room looks north.
• The room looks out over the sea.
• What are you looking at?
• an animal that looked like a large hedgehog
• ‘Has the mail come yet?’ ‘I'll look and see.’
• Don't look now, but there's someone staring at you!
• He inspected the room, looking for any possible clues.
• I can't find my book— I've looked everywhere.
• I looked in the mirror to see if my tie was straight.
• I was just about to come looking for you.
• I'm looking for an apartment on the east side of the city.
• I've spent my whole life looking for an answer to that question!
• Look carefully for signs of damp.
• Look! I'm sure that's Brad Pitt!
• We're looking around for a house in this area.
• We're looking for someone with experience for this position.
Idioms: if looks could kill … ▪ just looking ▪ look at somebody ▪ look bad ▪ look good ▪ look here ▪ look how ▪ look somebody up and down ▪ look yourself ▪ looking to do something ▪ not look back ▪ not look good ▪ not much to look at
Derived: look after yourself ▪ look ahead ▪ look at something ▪ look back ▪ look down on somebody ▪ look for something ▪ look forward to something ▪ look in ▪ look into something ▪ look on ▪ look on somebody as somebody ▪ look on somebody with something ▪ look out ▪ look out for somebody ▪ look round ▪ look round for something ▪ look somebody up ▪ look something out ▪ look something over ▪ look something up ▪ look through somebody ▪ look through something ▪ look to somebody for something ▪ look to somebody to do something ▪ look to something ▪ look up ▪ look up to somebody
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
look / lʊk / verb [ I ] (SEARCH)
A1 to try to find something or someone:
I'm looking for my keys.
I've looked everywhere but I can't find my glasses.
Have you looked in the dictionary?
I looked down the list but couldn't see his name.
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
look
I [l'ʊk]USING YOUR EYES OR YOUR MIND
looks, looking, looked
(Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) VERB If you look in a particular direction, you direct your eyes in that direction, especially so that you can see what is there or see what something is like.
[V prep/adv] I looked down the hallway to room number nine...
[V prep/adv] She turned to look at him...
[V prep/adv] He looked away, apparently enraged...
If you look, you'll see what was a lake.
N-SING
Look is also a noun. Lucille took a last look in the mirror... Assisi has a couple of churches that are worth a look if you have time.
2) VERB If you look at a book, newspaper, or magazine, you read it fairly quickly or read part of it.
[V at n] You've just got to look at the last bit of Act Three.
N-SING: oft N at n
Look is also a noun. A quick look at Monday's British newspapers shows that there's plenty of interest in foreign news.
3) VERB If someone, especially an expert, looks at something, they examine it, and then deal with it or say how it should be dealt with.
[V at n] Can you look at my back? I think something's wrong. [Also V]
N-SING: usu N at n
Look is also a noun. The car has not been running very well and a mechanic had to come over to have a look at it.
4) VERB If you look at someone in a particular way, you look at them with your expression showing what you are feeling or thinking.
[V at n adv/prep] She looked at him earnestly. `You don't mind?'
N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft adj N, N of n
Look is also a noun. He gave her a blank look, as if he had no idea who she was... Sally spun round, a feigned look of surprise on her face.
5) VERB If you look for something, for example something that you have lost, you try to find it.
[V for n] I'm looking for a child. I believe your husband can help me find her...
[V for n] I had gone to Maine looking for a place to work...
[V prep/adv for n] I looked everywhere for ideas...
[V prep/adv] Have you looked on the piano?
Syn:
search
N-SING
Look is also a noun. Go and have another look.
6) VERB If you are looking for something such as the solution to a problem or a new method, you want it and are trying to obtain it or think of it.
[V for n] The working group will be looking for practical solutions to the problems faced by doctors...
[V for n] He's looking for a way out from this conflict.
Syn:
seek
7) VERB If you look at a subject, problem, or situation, you think about it or study it, so that you know all about it and can perhaps consider what should be done in relation to it.
[V at n] Next term we'll be looking at the Second World War period...
[V at n] Anne Holker looks at the pros and cons of making changes to your property...
[V at n] He visited Florida a few years ago looking at the potential of the area to stage a big match.
Syn:
examine, consider
N-SING: oft N at n
Look is also a noun. A close look at the statistics reveals a troubling picture.
8) VERB If you look at a person, situation, or subject from a particular point of view, you judge them or consider them from that point of view.
[V at n prep/adv] Brian had learned to look at her with new respect...
[V at n prep/adv] It depends how you look at it.
9) CONVENTION You say look when you want someone to pay attention to you because you are going to say something important.
Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it...
Now, look, here is how things stand.
10) VERB: only imper You can use look to draw attention to a particular situation, person, or thing, for example because you find it very surprising, significant, or annoying.
[V at n] Hey, look at the time! We'll talk about it tonight. All right?...
[V at n] I mean, look at how many people watch television and how few read books...
[V wh] Look what a mess you've made of your life.
11) VERB If something such as a building or window looks somewhere, it has a view of a particular place.
[V prep] The castle looks over private parkland...
[V prep] Each front door looks across a narrow alley to the front door opposite.
PHRASAL VERB
Look out means the same as look. V P prep Nine windows looked out over the sculpture gardens... V P prep We sit on the terrace, which looks out on the sea.
12) VERB If you are looking to do something, you are aiming to do it.
[V to-inf] We're not looking to make a fortune.
[V to-inf] ...young mums looking to get fit after having kids.
13) PHRASE If you say that someone did something and then never looked back, you mean that they were very successful from that time on. [mainly BRIT]
I went freelance when my son Adam was born, and have never looked back.
14) PHRASE: V inflects If you look someone in the eye or look them in the face, you look straight at their eyes in a bold and open way, for example in order to make them realize that you are telling the truth.
He could not look her in the eye.
15) PHRASE: V inflects (disapproval) If you say that someone looks the other way, you are critical of them because they pay no attention to something unpleasant that is happening, when they should be dealing with it properly.
Judges and politicians routinely looked the other way while people were tortured or killed by police.
16) CONVENTION (feelings) You say look here when you are going to say something important to someone, especially when you are angry at what they have done or said.
Now look here, Tim, there really is no need for that kind of reaction.
17) EXCLAM If you say or shout `look out!' to someone, you are warning them that they are in danger.
`Look out!' somebody shouted, as the truck started to roll toward the sea.
18) PHRASE: V inflects If someone looks you up and down, they direct their eyes from your head to your feet, in a rude and superior way and often as though they disapprove of you.
The sales assistant looked me up and down and told me not to try the dress on because she didn't think I would get into it.
19) to look down your nose at someone → see nose
Phrasal Verbs:
- look after
- look ahead
- look around
- look back
- look down on
- look forward to
- look in
- look into
- look on
- look on
- look upon
- look out
- look out for
- look over
- look round
- look through
- look to
- look up
- look upon
- look up toII [l'ʊk]APPEARANCE
♦
looks, looking, looked
1) V-LINK You use look when describing the appearance of a person or thing or the impression that they give.
[V adj] Sheila was looking miserable...
[V adj] I shall use the money to make my home look lovely...
[V adj] You don't look 15 years old...
[V n] He does not look the most reliable of animals...
[V like n] They look like stars to the naked eye...
[V like/as if] He looked as if he was going to smile...
[V to-inf] Everybody in the club looked to be fourteen years old.
Derived words:
-looking COMB in ADJ-GRADED She was a very peculiar-looking woman.
2) N-SING: with supp If someone or something has a particular look, they have a particular appearance or expression.
She had the look of someone deserted and betrayed...
When he came to decorate the kitchen, Kenneth opted for a friendly rustic look...
To soften a formal look, Caroline recommends ethnic blouses.
Syn:
appearance
3) N-PLURAL When you refer to someone's looks, you are referring to how beautiful or ugly they are, especially how beautiful they are.
I never chose people just because of their looks.
...a young woman with wholesome good looks.
4) V-LINK You use look when indicating what you think will happen in the future or how a situation seems to you.
[V adj] He had lots of time to think about the future, and it didn't look good...
[V adj] Britain looks set to send a major force of over 100 tanks and supporting equipment...
[it V like/as if] So far it looks like Warner Brothers' gamble is paying off...
[V like -ing/n] The Europeans had hoped to win, and, indeed, had looked like winning...
[V to-inf] The team had stormed into a two-goal lead and looked to be cruising to a third round place.
5) PHRASE You use expressions such as by the look of him and by the looks of it when you want to indicate that you are giving an opinion based on the appearance of someone or something.
He was not a well man by the look of him...
By the look of things, Mr Stone and company will stay busy.
6) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If you don't like the look of something or someone, you feel that they may be dangerous or cause problems.
I don't like the look of those clouds.
7) PHRASE: V inflects If you ask what someone or something looks like, you are asking for a description of them.
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1look /ˈlʊk/ verb looks; looked; look·ing
1 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to direct your eyes in a particular direction
• He looked straight ahead and kept walking.
• When you take a walk, look around you.
• She smiled at me and then looked away.
• He looked back the way he had come.
• Look both ways before you cross the street.
• When I finally reached the top I was afraid to look down.
• She looked from one person to the next.
• Look in the mirror/box.
• They looked off into the distance.
• He was looking over his shoulder.
- often + at
• She looked longingly at the photograph.
• “What are you looking at?” “I'm looking at this flower.”
• looking at the stars through a telescope = looking through a telescope at the stars
- see also look around (below), look at (below) look over your shoulder at 1shoulder
2 a [linking verb] : to seem to be something especially because of appearance
• He looks angry.
• Her new haircut makes her look young/younger.
• That cake looks delicious.
• “How does the situation look (to you) now?” “It looks pretty bad/good.”
• It looks dangerous/unlikely.
• a kind-looking woman = a woman who looks kind
• The child looked to be about seven years old.
• The once-famous star looks to be heading into obscurity.
• The year ahead looks to be a profitable one. [=it appears likely to be profitable; I/we expect it to be profitable]
- often used in the phrases look as if, look as though, and look like
• It looks like it will be hard work.
• It looks like it will rain/snow. = It looks like rain/snow.
• It looks to me like they're all the same. = It looks like they're all the same to me. = They look like they're all the same to me.
• It looked as though he was feeling ill. = He looked as though he was feeling ill.
• It looks like she's going to win the tournament again this year. = She looks like she's going to win the tournament again this year. = (Brit) She looks like winning the tournament again this year. [=she seems likely to win the tournament again this year]
• He looks like a nice man. = (Brit) He looks a nice man. [=he seems/appears to be a nice man]
- see also look like (below)
b [+ obj] : to have an appearance that is suitable for (something)
• She looks her age. [=her appearance shows her age]
• an actor who really looks the part [=whose appearance matches the appearance the character is supposed to have]
3 [no obj] : to try to find something or someone
• “I don't know where my keys are.” “Try looking in the drawer.”
• I've looked high and low. = I've looked everywhere. = I've looked all over.
• “I still haven't found my keys.” “Well, keep looking.”
• “I'm still trying to find my keys.” “Well, look no further—here they are.”
- see also look for (below)
4 [no obj] : to pay attention by directing your eyes at something
• You can see many wonderful things in nature if you take the time to stop and look.
• The store clerk asked if I needed any help, but I told him I was just looking. [=I was looking at the things being sold in the store but did not plan to buy anything specific]
5 [no obj]
a
- used to direct someone's attention to something or someone
• Look! Over there! Is that a hawk?
• Look! There he is!
- often + at
• Look at those mountains. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?
• Just look at the time! I had no idea it was that late!
- often used in phrases like look where, look what, etc.
• Look what I found.
• Look who's here.
• Look how easy it is to do this.
b
- used in phrases like look where, look what, etc., to warn someone or to express anger or disappointment
• Look where you're going. You almost walked into that pole.
• Look what you did! You broke it.
• Now look what you've done. It's broken.
c
- used to introduce a statement when you want someone to notice what you are saying
• Look, this just isn't going to work.
• Look here, you need to start behaving more responsibly.
6 [+ obj]
a : to want or try to do something - followed by to + verb
• a company looking to become a leader in the industry
• We're looking to create something new.
b : to expect something - followed by to + verb
• We look to have a good year. = We are looking to have a good year.
7 [no obj] : to have a specified direction : to point or face in a specified direction
• The house looks east.
• The hotel looks toward the sea.
don't look now
- used in speech before a statement to tell someone to be aware of something without looking
• Don't look now, but they're coming our way.
• Don't look now, but I think we're being followed.
look after [phrasal verb] look after (someone or something) : to take care of (someone or something)
• They hired a babysitter to look after the children.
• I can look after myself.
• He looks after his aging parents.
• They asked a friend to look after their house while they were away.
look a gift horse in the mouth
- see 1horse
look ahead [phrasal verb] : to think about what will happen in the future
• The past year has been successful and, looking ahead, we expect to do even better in the coming months.
- often + to
• Looking ahead to next year, we expect to be even more successful.
look around or Brit look round [phrasal verb]
1 look around/round or look around/round (a place) : to go through a place in order to see what is there : to explore a place
• We arrived early at the theater and spent a few minutes looking around.
• The kids looked around the shops while we unpacked.
2 look around/round for (something) : to search for (something)
• I looked around for my keys but I couldn't find them anywhere.
• He is looking around for a new car.
- see also 1look 1 (above)
look at [phrasal verb]
1 look at (someone or something)
a : to think about or consider (something or someone)
• Just look at how successful she's been.
• The company is looking at the possibility of moving to a larger office.
• I just haven't looked at him as (being) a potential roommate.
• The way I look at [=see] it, you're wrong.
• Some people are looking at her as a possible candidate for mayor.
• You can make changes in your life. Just look at Tim. [=consider that Tim has made changes to realize that you can also make changes]
b : to examine or study (someone or something)
• You should have a doctor look at that bruise.
• I had the veterinarian look at my cat.
2 look at (something)
a : to have (something bad or unpleasant) as a problem or possibility
• If you're found guilty, you could be looking at [=facing] five years in prison.
b : to read (something or part of something)
• I haven't looked at [=read] the newspaper today.
• Did you look at that fax yet?
- see also 1look 1, 5a (above)
look back [phrasal verb] : to think about something in the past
• Looking back to/at last season, I can see why they didn't win the pennant.
• I look back at/on that time with a lot of pride. [=I feel proud when I think about that time]
✦If you make an important change in your life and never look back, you never return to the way you had been before, and your life is very different from that time onward.
• After college, she moved to New York, got a job on Wall Street, and never looked back.
look before you leap : to think or learn about the possible bad results of an action before doing it
• If you're planning to invest in your friend's company, I advise you to look before you leap.
look daggers at
- see dagger
look down on [phrasal verb] look down on (someone or something) : to think of or treat (someone or something) as unimportant or not worthy of respect
• The family was looked down on for being different.
• The other children looked down on me because my parents were poor.
look down your nose at : to think of or treat (someone or something) as unimportant or not worthy of respect
• She looked down her nose at her neighbors.
• writers who look down their noses at popular culture
look for [phrasal verb] look for (something or someone)
1 : to try to find (someone or something) : to search for (someone or something)
• We had to wait while he looked for his keys.
• I've looked everywhere for my keys but I still can't find them.
• She's looking for a new job.
• look for a word in the dictionary
• The police continue to look for the escaped prisoners.
• His taste is—what's the word I'm looking for?—I know, “eclectic.”
- see also 1look 3 (above)
2 : to expect (something or someone)
• We're looking for better days in the future.
• Don't bother looking for me anytime too soon.
- often followed by to + verb
• You can look for me to arrive around noon.
• Economists are looking for the economy to improve in the next few months.
3 look for trouble informal : to act in a way that could cause violence or problems
• I could tell that he was looking for trouble as soon as he came in.
look forward to [phrasal verb] look forward to (something) : to expect (something) with pleasure
• They're looking forward to their vacation.
• He felt he had nothing to look forward to in his life.
• She's looking forward to meeting new friends.
look in on [phrasal verb] look in on (someone) : to make a brief social visit to (someone)
• I plan to look in on [=drop in on, call on] some old friends when I'm in town.
look into [phrasal verb] look into (something) : to try to get information about (something)
• Is there a problem? I could look into it.
• Investigators are looking into the cause of the accident.
look like : to have an appearance that is very similar to (someone or something) : to resemble (someone or something)
• You look just like your mother! [=you resemble your mother very closely]
• That powdered sugar looks like snow.
- see also 1look 2a (above)
look like a million dollars/bucks
- see million
look lively
- see lively
look on/upon [phrasal verb]
1 look on : to watch something as it happens without becoming involved
• A crowd of people looked on [=stood by] helplessly as the house burned to the ground.
2 look on/upon (someone or something) : to think of or consider (someone or something) in a specified way - + as or with
• I've always looked on her as a friend. [=considered her to be a friend]
• They looked on reading as an escape from the troubles of life.
• He looked upon his son's accomplishments with pride.
look out [phrasal verb]
1
- used to tell someone to be aware of something dangerous
• Look out [=watch out]—one of the steps is missing!
2 look (something) out or look out (something) Brit : to succeed in finding (something)
• It may take me a while to look out [=hunt down] his phone number for you.
look out for [phrasal verb]
1 look out for (something) : to be aware of and try to avoid (something dangerous or unwanted)
• In the winter, drivers need to look out for icy patches on the roads.
• In buying a home, there are many potential problems (that) you should look out for.
• Look out for [=watch out for] that pothole!
2 look out for (someone or something) : to take care of or protect (someone or something)
• I can look out for myself.
• She is supposed to be looking out for our interests.
✦If you look out for number one, you only think about yourself and do what helps you most.
• We don't want a senator who's (only/always) looking out for number one.
look over [phrasal verb] look (something) over or look over (something) : to read or examine (something) usually in a quick or hurried way
• She looked over the plans on her way out of the office.
• He looked over his shopping list as he entered the store.
• look a proposal over
look sharp
- see 2sharp
look (someone) in the eye also look (someone) in the face : to look directly at (someone who is also looking at you)
• I wasn't afraid to look him (right) in the eye and tell him just what I thought of him!
look the other way : to ignore something that should be noticed or dealt with : to turn your attention away from something
• We can't just look the other way while these violations of basic human rights continue to occur.
• Residents of the neighborhood accuse police of looking the other way as drug dealers become more active there.
look through [phrasal verb]
1 look through (something)
a : to read or briefly examine some of the pages of (a book, magazine, etc.)
• She was looking [=leafing] through a magazine as she waited in the doctor's office.
• look through the pages of a magazine
b : to look at the different parts of (a collection or group of things)
• I looked through [=went through] all his letters.
2 look through (someone) : to pretend not to see or recognize (someone) in a rude or unfriendly way
• We used to be best friends but when she passed me on the street yesterday she looked (right/straight) through me without even saying hello!
look to [phrasal verb]
1 look to (something) : to think about or examine (something) : to direct your attention to (something)
• They look to the future with ever-increasing hope.
- usually + for
• We can look to the past for help in figuring out how to deal with this problem.
• look to nature for inspiration
2 look to (someone) : to need (someone) to do something for or give something to you : to depend or rely on (someone)
• They look to me to fix the problem.
• Many parents look to their children to help them navigate the Internet.
- often + for
• Many parents look to their children for help in navigating the Internet.
• She looked to her friends for help.
• They look to you for advice.
look up [phrasal verb]
1 : to get better : improve
• The economy is looking up.
• Things started to look up for me when I got the promotion.
2 look (something) up or look up (something) : to search for (something) in a reference book, on the Internet, etc.
• If you don't know what a word means, you should look it up (in the dictionary).
• look up a telephone number
• look up an article in the encyclopedia
3 look (someone) up or look up (someone) : to call or go to see (someone) when you are in the area where that person lives
• I told them to look me up if they came to town.
look up to [phrasal verb] look up to (someone) : to respect and admire (someone)
• I've always looked up to my older brother.
• The kids really look up to their coach.
Look what the cat dragged in!
- see cat
look your best
- see 3best
not much to look at informal : not physically attractive
• The restaurant isn't much to look at, but the food is good.
• The dog isn't much to look at, but he's a great hunting dog.
