appraising gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appraising gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or stare that evaluates or assesses someone or something, often implying scrutiny or judgment. Example: "She met his appraising gaze, feeling both flattered and exposed under his scrutiny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

At the Rio, Robbins took in the scene with the appraising gaze of a jeweller.

The New Yorker

Wayne's steady, appraising gaze still said, "I won't start anything, but if you do…"Wayne was lucky in his directors, as they were in him.

The Economist

"Vic," who resembles Charlton Heston, has a disproportionately small head on his bulky, business-suited body, and he stares back at viewers with a suspicious, appraising gaze.

The New York Times - Arts

On the battlefield he is every inch a soldier, with a ramrod posture and hard, appraising gaze that promise to keep wayward impulses in check.

The New York Times

He wears a genteel white lace collar and a satin jacket that is a shimmering study in grays; both contrast strikingly with his level, appraising gaze and homely mug.

The New York Times - Arts

In the film, Lyle directs a languorous, appraising gaze at a young woman he's just met, and deftly delivers the best line in the picture: "If I felt half as good as you look, I'd go out and kill myself while it lasted".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's awful to watch a woman as lovely as Hannah shrivel under Nate's appraising, unpredictable gaze.

The New Yorker

Revelling in the presumptions and delights of the appraising male gaze, the narrator has noted that, seen from behind and in long shot, the lady satisfies all the criteria of female desirability.

The Guardian

Nate, to his shame, feels a certain sadism: "He could swear he didn't want to hurt her, but sometimes, when she looked at him a certain way, or that eager note crept into her voice, a perverse obstinacy rose within him; to go along, to do what she wanted, felt treacly intolerable". It's awful to watch a woman as lovely as Hannah shrivel under Nate's appraising, unpredictable gaze.

The New Yorker

"You look different today," she said, her gaze appraising.

The New York Times

The first thing you notice about Vivienne Ming, PhD, is the way she notices you: Her gaze is appraising, curious.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appraising gaze" when you want to convey a sense of careful evaluation, often implying a degree of scrutiny or judgment. The phrase is particularly effective when describing a character's reaction or observation in narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "appraising gaze" when simply describing someone looking. "Appraising" implies evaluation, so use a more neutral term like "observing gaze" or "attentive look" if the evaluation aspect is not intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appraising gaze" functions as a noun phrase where "appraising" is an adjective modifying the noun "gaze". Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in describing a look that evaluates or assesses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appraising gaze" accurately describes a look that carefully evaluates or assesses someone or something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. With examples primarily drawn from News & Media sources, the term is best used when you want to convey a sense of careful evaluation, often implying a degree of scrutiny or judgment. While grammatically sound and clear in its meaning, overuse can be an issue; ensure the context warrants the evaluative connotation of "appraising" before using the phrase. Alternatives such as "evaluative look" or "assessing stare" may be more appropriate in contexts where the evaluative aspect is less prominent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaluative look

Focuses on the act of evaluating rather than just observing.

assessing stare

Emphasizes a prolonged and intense look.

discerning gaze

Emphasizes the ability to make fine distinctions.

scrutinizing glance

Highlights a careful and critical examination.

judgemental look

Implies a negative evaluation or disapproval.

thoughtful observation

Implies a reflective and deliberate assessment.

searching eyes

Suggests a quest for something hidden or unclear.

critical assessment

Highlights a detailed and analytical evaluation.

observant eyes

Focuses on the attentiveness of the observer.

calculating look

Suggests a strategic or manipulative evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "appraising gaze" to describe a look that carefully evaluates or assesses something. For example: "She met his "appraising gaze", feeling both flattered and exposed."

What are some alternatives to "appraising gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "evaluative look", "assessing stare", or "scrutinizing glance" depending on the context.

What does "appraising gaze" imply?

"Appraising gaze" implies a look that is carefully evaluating or judging. It suggests more than simple observation; it suggests assessment.

Is "appraising gaze" formal or informal?

"Appraising gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal due to the specific nature of the word "appraising".