Definition

1. Adverb:
   • With a side glance; obliquely: Looking or directing one's gaze sideways, not directly.
   • With an attitude of doubt, suspicion, disapproval, or envy: Regarding someone or something in a skeptical, mistrustful, or disapproving manner.

Usage

The word "askant" is an archaic or less common variant of "askance." It is used to describe a manner of looking or regarding that is indirect and implies a negative judgment, such as suspicion, disapproval, or skepticism. It is almost exclusively used in literary or formal contexts.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The old man looked askant at the new technology, unsure if he could trust it.
  • She viewed his extravagant claims askant, her expression full of doubt.

Advanced Usage

• "to look askant at": This is the most common construction. It means to regard someone or something with suspicion, disapproval, or skepticism.
  • The conservative members of the committee looked askant at the radical proposal.

Variants and Related Words

• Askance (adv): The standard and more common form with identical meaning.
  • The teacher glanced askance at the student who was whispering.

Synonyms

• Sideways: With a direction to the side.
• Skeptically: With doubt or disbelief.
• Dubiously: With hesitation or doubt.
• Mistrustfully: With a lack of trust.

Antonyms

• Directly: In a straightforward manner.
• Approvingly: With favor or consent.
• Trustingly: With confidence or trust.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To look askance at: To view with suspicion, disapproval, or doubt.
  • Many traditionalists look askance at modern art forms.

Adjective

1. (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