gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to look steadily and intently at something, often for a long period of time. For example, "She gazed out of the window, lost in thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Irish government has also been opening an eye that had turned the other way to avert its gaze from numerous Provo transgressions.

The Guardian

At the risk of navel gazing, let us navel gaze for a minute and skate over the many national issues they are addressing.

The Guardian

It shifts her gaze to the US in 12 stories that explore the experiences of husbands and wives, parents and children, immigrants and permanent residents.

The Guardian

We feel it is really important that big companies are held to account for the way in which they undertake their activities abroad – especially when those activities take place in remote corners of faraway places, out of the public gaze".

The Guardian

Over the summer, under the gaze of their guardians, the harriers raised nine chicks, four of which were named by local schoolchildren: Sky, Hope, Highlander and Burt.

The Guardian

Across the street from the corpses, men and women waited silently for a bus with their plastic shopping bags and children in hand, keeping their gaze away from the dead bodies.

The Guardian

After all, I was trying to read a newspaper, or compose a hilarious tweet about EastEnders, or dumbly gaze out of the window like a cow obliviously trundling towards an abattoir.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In London, galleries in Chelsea allow in all and sundry for their openings and give you wine while you gaze at conceptual art.

The Guardian - Travel

Born and raised in Moscow, Masha Demianova got her first camera at 14. Now aged 24, she is said to be "pioneering female gaze photography" in Russia.

The Guardian

Her gaze is locked off to my right.

The Guardian - Film

"Sampi rarely faces the camera; her gaze eludes us, but her strength and wilfulness jump off the screen," wrote the Seattle Times.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaze" to convey a sense of prolonged, intent looking, often associated with admiration, wonder, or contemplation. It's more evocative than a simple "look".

Common error

While "gaze" is appropriate in narrative descriptions, it can sound unnatural in dialogue. Instead of "She gazed at him and said…", consider "She looked at him" or simply use action beats without explicitly stating the character's gaze.

Linguistic Context

The word "gaze" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it describes the action of looking steadily and intently. As a noun, it refers to the act or instance of gazing, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaze" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting a prolonged and intent look. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is high, especially in news and media contexts. When writing, use "gaze" to add depth and emotion to descriptions, but be mindful of overusing it in dialogue. Consider alternatives like "stare" or "observe" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stare

Indicates a prolonged and fixed look, often implying surprise or shock.

look intently

Emphasizes the focus and purpose behind the act of looking.

observe

Suggests a more detached and analytical form of looking.

contemplate

Involves looking thoughtfully and reflectively, often at something abstract.

scrutinize

Implies a close and critical examination.

peer

Suggests looking closely or with difficulty, often due to poor vision or lighting.

regard

A formal term for looking or considering something in a particular way.

ogle

To look at someone in a way that shows sexual interest.

watch steadily

Highlights the continuous and unwavering nature of the looking.

survey

Indicates a broad and comprehensive look, often to assess or evaluate.

FAQs

How to use "gaze" in a sentence?

The word "gaze" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to look steadily and intently, for example, "She gazed out the window". As a noun, it refers to a fixed or intent look, such as, "His gaze was intense".

What can I say instead of "gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "stare", "look intently", or "observe" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "gaze at" or "gaze upon"?

Both "gaze at" and "gaze upon" are grammatically correct, but "gaze at" is more common in contemporary English. "Gaze upon" sounds slightly more formal or poetic.

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

"Glance" implies a quick, brief look, while "gaze" suggests a prolonged, steady, and intent look. You "glance" at something momentarily, but you "gaze" at something you find interesting or beautiful.