askance
/əs'kæns/ Cách viết khác : (askant) /əs'kænt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb:
- With a sideways or oblique glance: Looking indirectly, not straight on.
- With suspicion, disapproval, or distrust: Regarding something or someone with doubt or skepticism.
Adjective:
- (Of a look or glance) Directed sideways: Characterized by being cast to one side, often implying a specific attitude like doubt or envy.
Usage
The word "askance" is primarily used as an adverb to describe how someone looks at something. It almost always modifies verbs of seeing (like look, glance, view). It conveys an attitude of skepticism, disapproval, or mistrust in the observer. As an adjective, it is less common and typically used in literary contexts to describe the glance itself.
Examples
Adverb:
- The committee looked askance at the proposal due to its high cost. (The committee viewed the proposal with suspicion.)
- She glanced askance at the stranger who approached her in the park. (She gave the stranger a sideways, wary look.)
Adjective:
- He gave her an askance look, unsure if she was telling the truth. (He gave her a sidelong look of doubt.)
Advanced Usage
- "To look askance at (someone/something)": This is the most common and idiomatic construction. It means to regard with suspicion, disapproval, or skepticism.
- Traditionalists often look askance at rapid technological changes.
- The word carries a formal or literary tone and is less common in casual, everyday speech.
Variants and Related Words
- Askant: (adverb/adjective) An archaic or less common variant with the same meaning as "askance."
- Sidelong: (adjective/adverb) A close synonym meaning "directed to or from the side." While "sidelong" can be neutral, "askance" almost always implies a negative judgment.
- A sidelong glance (could be secretive, shy, or suspicious).
- A look askance (implies suspicion/disapproval).
Synonyms
- Skeptically: With doubt or disbelief.
- Dubiously: With hesitation or doubt.
- Distrustfully: With a lack of trust.
- Sideways: (When referring to a glance) To or from the side.
Antonyms
- Directly: In a straightforward manner.
- Approvingly: With approval or favor.
- Trustingly: With trust or confidence.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Look askance at: To view with suspicion or disapproval. This is the standard idiomatic phrase for the word.
- The board will likely look askance at any plan that risks the company's reputation.
Adjective
- (used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy
- her eyes with their misted askance look- Elizabeth Bowen
- sidelong glances
Adverb
- with a side or oblique glance
- did not quite turn all the way back but looked askance at me with her dark eyes
- with suspicion or disapproval
- he looked askance at the offer