squinting

Thân thiện

A child is squinting at a bright computer screen.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the eyes partly closed: The state of looking with the eyes partially shut, often to see something more clearly, to focus, or in response to bright light.
   • Looking obliquely or with a sidelong glance: Describes a look that is not direct, often suggesting suspicion, scrutiny, or a furtive observation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The squinting man held the newspaper at arm's length to read the small print.
  • She stepped out into the bright sun with a squinting expression.
  • He gave her a squinting, suspicious look from across the room.

Advanced Usage

• As a verb-derived adjective: The word "squinting" functions as a present participle adjective, describing the ongoing state or action of the noun it modifies (e.g., the squinting man, her squinting eyes).
• Descriptive nuance: Beyond the physical act, "squinting" can imply mental effort, doubt, or careful evaluation, as in "a squinting assessment of the proposal."

Variants and Related Words

• Squint (verb): To look with the eyes partly closed.
  • You'll have to squint to read that tiny text.
• Squint (noun): A condition where the eyes do not align properly; also, the act of squinting.
  • He has a slight squint in his left eye.
• Squinch (verb): To tense up the muscles of (one's eyes or face), often synonymous with squint.
  • She squinched her eyes against the dust.

Synonyms

• Peering: Looking closely or with difficulty.
• Scrutinizing: Examining or observing closely.
• Narrowing (one's eyes): Partially closing the eyelids.

Related Phrases

• Squint at: To direct a squinting gaze toward something.
  • He squinted at the distant sign, trying to make out the words.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having eyes half closed in order to see better
   • squinched eyes

Từ đồng nghĩa

• squinched