fixed stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixed stare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gaze that is steady and unchanging, often indicating focus, intensity, or a lack of movement. Example: "She held a fixed stare on the painting, as if trying to decipher its hidden meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He has a fixed stare.

The New York Times

The stamp does Williams honor, capturing his ropey forearms and fixed stare.

The New Yorker

A man in stained, baggy overalls and an unclean shirt studies his plate with a terrifyingly fixed stare.

Huffington Post

After symptoms were treated, the dog was discharged, but it was brought back 11 days later because it was paralyzed, dehydrated, and had a fixed stare.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

And the president, with an equally fixed stare on his legacy, will be impatient to get things done.

BBC

It isn't just a fixed stare.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The process involves a 15-minute scan with a handheld scanner, during which the subject must stay completely still, in the manner of early portrait photography – no doubt resulting in similarly rigid poses and fixed stares.

The Guardian - Arts

She fixed her stare on the topless Brazilian.

The New Yorker

Rabbi Goldfinger sagely twisted his beard and fixed his stare on us.

The New Yorker

During my morning cappuccino, I invariably ended up sharing a table with a plump boy of about 12 with a fixed, intent stare.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Barma, who has spiky hair and a fixed, piercing stare, at first admitted to administering the witch test to dozens of people brought to him by local community leaders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, consider the context to select the most appropriate alternative to "fixed stare", such as "intense gaze" for focus or "blank stare" for confusion.

Common error

While "fixed stare" is descriptive, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "unwavering gaze" or "piercing gaze" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixed stare" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "fixed" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "stare". It's often used to describe a particular kind of gaze that is unwavering and focused, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fixed stare" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a steady, unwavering gaze, often indicative of intense focus, shock, or detachment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides real-world examples spanning various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, overuse should be avoided by employing synonyms like "intense gaze" or "unwavering gaze" to maintain stylistic variety. The phrase serves to add depth to descriptions, conveying the emotional or mental state of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense gaze

Replaces "fixed stare" with a more general term for a focused look.

unwavering gaze

Highlights the steadfast nature of the gaze, similar to "fixed".

piercing gaze

Emphasizes the intensity and penetrative quality of the stare.

blank stare

Focuses on the lack of expression or emotion in the stare.

steady gaze

Highlights the consistency and lack of movement in the stare.

vacant stare

Implies a lack of awareness or understanding in the gaze.

glassy-eyed look

Describes a stare that appears unfocused and lacking in vitality.

rapt attention

Indicates complete focus and absorption in something.

frozen gaze

Emphasizes the immobility and rigidity of the stare.

intent gaze

Highlights the purposeful and focused nature of the stare.

FAQs

What does "fixed stare" mean?

A "fixed stare" refers to a steady, unwavering gaze, often indicating intense focus, shock, or a trance-like state. It suggests a lack of movement or change in the direction of the eyes.

How can I use "fixed stare" in a sentence?

You can use "fixed stare" to describe someone's expression. For example, "The dog had a "fixed stare" after the accident" or "The man had a terrifyingly "fixed stare"".

What can I say instead of "fixed stare"?

You can use alternatives like "intense gaze", "unwavering gaze", or "piercing gaze" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "fixed stare" and "blank stare"?

While both describe a steady gaze, a "fixed stare" implies focus or intensity, while a "blank stare" suggests a lack of emotion, understanding, or awareness.