Definition

Adjective: - Looking sideways or obliquely: Describes a glance or look that is directed to one side, not straight ahead. This often implies an expression of doubt, suspicion, envy, or slyness. - With a squint: Can describe the appearance of someone whose eyes are not aligned, looking in slightly different directions.

Usage

The word "asquint" is a somewhat literary or old-fashioned adjective. It is primarily used to describe a manner of looking. It often modifies nouns like "look," "glance," or "gaze," and can also be used predicatively (after a linking verb like "was" or "looked").

Examples

• She watched the newcomers asquint, her expression unreadable.
• He gave an asquint glance toward the rival's scoreboard.
• The old sailor's eyes were permanently asquint from years of staring at the horizon.

Advanced Usage

• "to look asquint": This is a common verbal phrase meaning to look with the eyes turned to the side.
  • The critic looked asquint at the unconventional painting, unsure what to make of it.

Variants and Related Words

• Askance (adverb/adjective): Very similar in meaning to "asquint," describing a sidelong look expressing doubt or disapproval. (e.g., )
• Sidelong (adjective/adverb): Meaning directed to or from the side. (e.g., )
• Squint (verb/noun): The action of looking with partly closed eyes or the condition of having eyes that look in different directions.

Synonyms

• Sideways
• Obliquely
• Sidelong

Antonyms

• Directly
• Straightforwardly
• Frankly

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