averted eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

"averted eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally expresses the idea that a person is looking away or avoiding eye contact with another person. For example, "He quickly averted his eyes when she entered the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The one that caused most averted eyes was "author".

The Guardian - Books

Averted eyes when asked about carry-on luggage.

The New York Times

As a teenager, I am used to averted eyes, judgmental sighs and prejudice.

The Guardian

As they climb aboard, hurrying past the male driver with averted eyes, I fall behind.

The Guardian

Presumably, then, half the reading public will scuttle past Thomas Goetz's new book, "The Decision Tree," with averted eyes.

The New York Times - Health

It was a long minute, filled with moaning and horror-struck, averted eyes, as the struggling figure plunged earthward.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Here we examined previously unexplored brain oscillatory responses to characterize the neurodynamics and connectivity during brief (~250 ms) and longer (~883 ms) exposures of fearful faces with direct or averted eye gaze.

Harvard University

@SPObrIggs.

Vice

For example, newborns differentiate between direct and averted eye gaze [12].

Plosone

In addition, amygdala activation increases when fearful face stimuli make direct, rather than averted, eye-contact with the viewer [27].

Plosone

Further, an enhanced Nc was found for angry faces with direct compared to averted eye gaze [27].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "averted eyes" to subtly convey discomfort, shame, or dishonesty in character descriptions. It adds depth to the portrayal of emotions and intentions.

Common error

Don't assume that "averted eyes" always indicates shyness. It can also signify guilt, deceit, or discomfort depending on the context. Consider the situation and character to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "averted eyes" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often within a larger sentence structure. It describes a specific physical action – the act of looking away – and, by extension, the emotional or psychological state of the subject. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "averted eyes" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys a character's internal state through non-verbal communication. As Ludwig confirms, its meaning is consistently understood across various contexts, from news reports to academic analyses. While frequently found in journalistic and narrative writing, it's crucial to consider the specific context to correctly interpret the reason behind the avoidance of eye contact. Recognizing that "averted eyes" can signify a range of emotions beyond shyness, such as discomfort, dishonesty, or introspection, allows for more nuanced and accurate writing. By considering alternative phrases like "shifting gaze" or "downcast eyes", writers can further refine their descriptions and add depth to their portrayal of human emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoided gaze

Focuses on the action of avoiding a direct look.

eyes turned away

Directly states the action of the eyes moving away.

shifting gaze

Highlights the movement and change in the direction of sight.

glancing away

Emphasizes the act of quickly looking away.

downcast eyes

Emphasizes the downward direction of the eyes, indicating shame or sadness.

indirect gaze

Indicates that the look is not directly at something or someone.

sideways glance

Highlights a quick look to the side.

eyes lowered

Highlights the lowering of the eyes, often indicating respect or submission.

furtive glances

Focuses on secretive or sneaky looks.

looking askance

Implies looking with distrust or disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "averted eyes" in a sentence?

You can use "averted eyes" to describe someone avoiding eye contact due to discomfort, shame, or dishonesty. For example, "He spoke with "averted eyes" when questioned about the missing money".

What does "averted eyes" typically imply?

"Averted eyes" often suggests feelings of guilt, shame, discomfort, or a desire to avoid confrontation. However, the specific implication depends on the context and the individual's character.

Which is a better way to describe the action of someone avoiding eye contact, "averted eyes" or "avoided gaze"?

Both "averted eyes" and "avoided gaze" are suitable for describing someone avoiding eye contact. "Averted eyes" is a more common and idiomatic expression, while "avoided gaze" is more literal.

What are some alternative ways to describe someone who is not making eye contact?

Instead of "averted eyes", you could use phrases like "shifting gaze", "downcast eyes", or "indirect gaze", depending on the nuance you want to convey.