agaze
/ə'geiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a fixed, intense stare: Describes eyes that are wide open and staring intently, often due to strong emotions like fear, wonder, or astonishment.
Usage
- The word agaze is a literary and somewhat formal adjective. It is almost exclusively used to describe eyes or a gaze that is fixed and staring, typically in a state of deep absorption, shock, or amazement. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to be agaze": to be in a state of staring fixedly.
- She was agaze upon the masterpiece for a full ten minutes, lost in its beauty.
- "to hold someone agaze": to captivate someone's stare completely.
- The magician's final trick held the entire audience agaze.
Variants and Related Words
- Gaze (n/v): A steady, intent look; to look steadily and intently.
- She met his gaze across the room.
- Staring (adj): Looking fixedly or vacantly at someone or something.
- He had a staring expression of disbelief.
Synonyms
- Staring: Looking fixedly with eyes wide open.
- Rapt: Completely fascinated or absorbed, often shown by one's gaze.
- Transfixed: Rendered motionless with awe, terror, or amazement.
Antonyms
- Averted: (Of eyes) turned away.
- Unfocused: (Of eyes or a gaze) not seeing clearly; lacking concentration or direction.
Adjective
- (used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
- staring eyes