disapproving gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disapproving gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that conveys disapproval or criticism towards someone or something. Example: "She met his disapproving gaze and felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Albert Schweitzer also comes under his disapproving gaze.

The New York Times - Books

She once led Winston Churchill on a hunt around her beach house to find the gin she'd secreted in the toilet tanks, away from Hearst's disapproving gaze.

The Guardian - Travel

His Holiness ought to turn his disapproving gaze eastwards.

The New York Times

Around the thirty-five-second mark, as dozens of elegant socialites pass through the frame in a leisurely procession, a young Marcel races past them down the steps, garnering the disapproving gaze of one older woman.

The New Yorker

Under the disapproving gaze of her Catholic parents, Lord [Frank] and Elizabeth Longford, Fraser separates from her Tory MP husband Hugh as the "recklessness" of her Pinter affair deepens, from one champagne bar to another, into something "joyous, dangerous and unavoidable".

Independent

Her dancing is limp, reluctant; her shoulders sag; and her head is bowed a little, as if she were trying to hide from the disapproving gaze of the assembled revelers: a shocking sensation for Julie, who, like most every character Davis ever played, is accustomed to looking people straight in the eye.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If you do take a call, you risk more than disapproving gazes.

The Economist

With his gently lilted speaking voice, hooded eyes and earnest gaze, Ernie Merrick is one-part genial Christmas relative, one part disapproving Latin master.

The Guardian - Sport

She trailed off, disapproving.

The New Yorker

She was not disapproving.

The New Yorker

China would be sharply disapproving.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disapproving gaze" to vividly depict a character's or observer's negative reaction to a situation or person. It adds a layer of emotional depth to your writing, making the disapproval more palpable for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "disapproving gaze" when a milder form of disapproval is intended. Phrases like "slight frown" or "raised eyebrow" may be more appropriate for conveying subtle disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disapproving gaze" functions as a noun phrase where "disapproving" modifies the noun "gaze". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically describes how someone looks at another person or object, conveying a sense of disapproval or condemnation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disapproving gaze" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to depict a look of disapproval or criticism. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to add emotional depth to narrative descriptions. Alternative expressions like "critical stare" or "scornful look" can be used to subtly alter the conveyed emotion. When writing, avoid using "disapproving gaze" when the intended disapproval is mild; more subtle expressions may be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unapproving look

A more general term indicating a lack of approval or satisfaction.

critical stare

Emphasizes the intensity and directness of the disapproval through a fixed look.

judgmental gaze

Emphasizes the act of judging or forming an opinion based on appearance or behavior.

scornful look

Highlights the feeling of contempt or disdain conveyed in the expression.

displeased expression

A broader term referring to any facial expression showing dissatisfaction or disapproval.

reproving glance

Suggests a mild form of disapproval, often intended to correct behavior.

censorious glare

Indicates a judgmental and critical expression, often implying moral superiority.

condemning stare

Highlights the strong condemnation or judgment conveyed through the eyes.

stern visage

Focuses on the severe and serious aspect of the facial expression.

hostile glare

Conveys animosity and antagonism in the disapproving look.

FAQs

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

You can use "disapproving gaze" to describe someone's reaction to something they don't agree with. For example: "She met his disapproving gaze and quickly changed the subject."

What are some alternatives to "disapproving gaze"?

Alternatives include "critical stare", "scornful look", or "reproving glance", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "disapproving gaze" formal or informal?

"Disapproving gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it is most commonly found in narrative or descriptive contexts.

What's the difference between "disapproving gaze" and "disapproving glance"?

While both convey disapproval, "disapproving gaze" suggests a longer, more intense observation, while "disapproving glance" implies a quicker, less focused expression of disapproval.