gaze down upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaze down upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You typically use this phrase to describe someone looking at something with admiration or disdain. For example, "The king gazed down upon his subjects with an expression of approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

During my two months in Ireland, I scaled mountains and sea cliffs only to gaze down upon villages whose populations boasted more sheep than people.

Princeton University

He turned his gaze down upon his fork, as if debating whether to rise to the challenge of lifting it to his mouth.

Independent

The women gaze down upon an assortment of mostly 18th-century furniture from England, France, Italy, Russia and Sweden, including a 19th-century neo-Classical piano.

The New York Times

In World War II, though she was boxed for protection, two holes had to be drilled near her eyes so she could continue to gaze down upon her devotees.

The New York Times

Sitting on a stool, I would slowly sip my martini and gaze down upon what a popular 1940's radio program called "the crossroads of a million private lives".

The New York Times - Arts

Up a primitive, winding dirt road I came upon the Coll church some distance from the tiny village past a directional sign on which someone had scrawled in Catalan, "Coll, center of the universe". The church was tightly fenced about, but with the help of a stone wall you could gaze down upon its Romanesque beauty.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We flew for hours, gazing down upon rock and ice, trees and sea.

The New York Times

"Thank you for the light," she says to an image of the Madonna that gazes down upon her.

The New York Times

A few centuries later, the Ankerwycke tree gazed down upon a different King, Henry VIII, courting his future wife Anne Boleyn.

Independent

An image of the Madonna gazed down upon her from a niche, six feet above her head.

The New Yorker

The hand itself was decorated with a dark, almost Egyptian-looking eye, which gazed down upon Mel balefully.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaze down upon" to create a sense of perspective or dominance in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing a physical height or a position of authority.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "gaze down upon" can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "look down on" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaze down upon" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of looking from a superior or elevated position. This can be literal, as in physically looking down, or figurative, implying a sense of authority or condescension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaze down upon" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes the action of looking from a superior or elevated position. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it's often found in news and media contexts, its formality can vary depending on the specific usage. Related phrases include "look down upon" and "overlook". When writing, it's best to use "gaze down upon" to add a sense of perspective or dominance, but be cautious of sounding overly formal in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Look down upon

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to express the same action of viewing from above.

See from above

A simple way of stating you can see something from higher ground.

Peer down at

This alternative implies a closer, more focused observation from above.

Look out over

This alternative suggests a broader, more expansive view from a high point.

Behold from above

This alternative emphasizes the act of seeing something from a higher vantage point, often with a sense of wonder or authority.

View from an elevated position

This alternative is a more literal and descriptive way of expressing the same idea.

Survey from a height

This alternative suggests a more comprehensive and detached observation from an elevated position.

Overlook

This alternative implies a position above something, offering a view, but can also mean to ignore or disregard.

Regard from on high

This alternative evokes a sense of formality and superiority in the act of observation.

Command a view of

This alternative suggests a position that dominates the landscape, offering a comprehensive view.

FAQs

What does "gaze down upon" mean?

The phrase "gaze down upon" means to look at something from a higher position. It can also imply a sense of superiority or authority in the act of observing.

How can I use "gaze down upon" in a sentence?

You can use "gaze down upon" to describe a physical view, such as "From the mountaintop, she gazed down upon the valley below". It can also be used figuratively, like "The experienced mentor gazed down upon the novice with understanding."

What are some alternatives to "gaze down upon"?

Some alternatives to "gaze down upon" include "look down upon", "overlook", or "view from above". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "gaze down upon"?

It's appropriate to use "gaze down upon" when you want to convey a sense of looking at something from a physically or metaphorically higher position. However, it can sound overly formal in casual situations, where simpler phrases might be more suitable.