a fierce gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fierce gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who is giving a particularly intense or intimidating look. For example, "He turned and gave her a fierce gaze that sent a chill down her spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Where pop as a whole shrugs, she trains a fierce gaze.

The Guardian - Music

The bust shows a Hemingway-like man of power with a fierce gaze shooting out from beneath eyebrows of a tousled luxuriance that matches his beard and hair.

The Guardian - Arts

A fierce gaze of self-belief spread across Johanna Konta's reddened, sweating features as she powered through the deciding set against the Wimbledon finalist Garbiñe Muguruza to reach the third round of the US Open.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now, after injuries, he is looking older than his 29 years, his trademark furrowed brow sitting under a thinning thatch, the bandana not so rakishly piratical as it once was, the muscular top-spin forehand falling a little shorter inside the court, the fierce gaze not so intimidating.

The Guardian - Sport

She may stare softly into the distance, but the slightest wooliness focuses a fierce brown gaze.

The Guardian - Books

On the cover is the face of a young woman with a sword, cropped hair and a fierce, uncompromising gaze.

The Guardian

A photograph taken from outside the detention center showed him gripping the bars on his window and staring out with a fierce, fixed gaze.

The New York Times

In the title role Cezary Kosinski has a fierce, cold gaze that bores into you eerily when his image is projected big on the wall of the bunker during some of Macbeth's (very abbreviated) soliloquies.

The New York Times

An elfin man whose bald head, fierce gaze and Vandyke made him look like a pocket Mephistopheles, Mr. Bender was among the best known of the country's handful of forensic sculptors — an unusual craft that stands at the nexus of art, crime, science and intuition.

The New York Times

Just as Scorsese did, Lee turns his fierce gaze back at the members of the audience.

The New Yorker

With her fierce gaze, proud bearing and serpentine arms, Mendizabal is every inch the wild gitana.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fierce gaze" to depict characters who are resolute, powerful, or intimidating. It's particularly effective in dramatic scenes to convey strong emotions or intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "a fierce gaze" when a simpler description like "an intense look" would suffice. Overusing 'fierce' can diminish its impact and make the writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fierce gaze" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (gaze) to indicate the intensity and strength of the look. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys an intense or intimidating look.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fierce gaze" is a descriptive expression used to convey an intense, powerful, or intimidating look. Grammatically correct, it functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'gaze'. While not exceedingly common, it is readily understood and appropriate in various contexts, especially in news and media as seen in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, highlighting its ability to depict characters with strong emotions or intentions. Alternatives include "an intense stare" or "a piercing look", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "a fierce gaze", consider the intensity you wish to convey and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense stare

This alternative uses "intense" to describe the stare, highlighting the strength of the look.

a piercing look

This alternative emphasizes the penetrating quality of the gaze.

a penetrating stare

This alternative focuses on the way the gaze seems to see through someone.

a sharp look

This alternative emphasizes the incisiveness and alertness of the gaze.

a determined look

This alternative conveys a sense of resolve and purpose behind the gaze.

an unwavering stare

This suggests a steady and resolute gaze, not easily diverted.

a steely glare

This alternative uses "steely" to convey a cold and hard quality in the gaze.

a fiery gaze

This alternative uses "fiery" to suggest passion and intensity in the gaze.

an intimidating stare

This alternative directly states the effect of the gaze on others.

a powerful look

This alternative focuses on the strength and impact of the gaze.

FAQs

How can I use "a fierce gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "a fierce gaze" to describe a character's intense or intimidating look. For example, "The warrior met his opponent's challenge with "a fierce gaze"." It implies determination or aggression.

What can I say instead of "a fierce gaze"?

Alternatives include "an intense stare", "a piercing look", or "a penetrating stare" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a fierce gaze"?

It is appropriate when describing a character or individual who is displaying strong determination, anger, or a commanding presence. The phrase emphasizes intensity and can create a dramatic effect.

What's the difference between "a fierce gaze" and "an angry look"?

"A fierce gaze" implies intensity and focus, not necessarily anger. "An angry look", on the other hand, specifically indicates anger or displeasure. One could have "a determined look" that is fierce without being angry.