glazed eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

"glazed eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone's appearance when they look unresponsive or unaware of their surroundings. For example: "The long meeting had caused the attendees to have glazed eyes by the end of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Nothing can be expected from this regime, good or bad," she said, with a frozen smile and glazed eyes.

The New York Times

A romp through the kinky silliness that'll be marketed at our grown grandchildren, their poor glazed eyes consensually replaced with tiny computers.

The Guardian - Tech

The court heard two independent witnesses who testified the girl was very drunk, had glazed eyes and was incoherent and stumbling on the night she encountered Evans.

The Guardian

Partly thanks to some old-fashioned interest-group organizing, the week is back on "go," enough so as to give even the seasoned art trekker glazed eyes and sore feet.

The New York Times - Arts

Sergeant Dave Reese approached Gammons and claimed he had glazed eyes and smelled of alcohol, according to an arrest report obtained by the Smoking Gun.

Huffington Post

"Sometimes," Charney continued, "this can stretch out for a year, but much longer and they get glazed eyes and stop performing well".

Huffington Post

So, Glazed Eyes, meet Srey Pov.

The New York Times

I had blank, glazed eyes.

The Guardian - Music

Who knows where their glazed eyes will turn next?

The New York Times

Behind her glazed eyes I can see pride.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm still seeing the world through glazed eyes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, pair "glazed eyes" with additional sensory details. This can help to more precisely communicate the character's overall experience to the reader. For example, "glazed eyes and a trembling voice".

Common error

Avoid attributing "glazed eyes" solely to negative states like intoxication or exhaustion. The phrase can also describe someone deeply focused, daydreaming, or experiencing intense emotions, though these contexts are less frequent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glazed eyes" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (eyes). It provides a vivid detail about someone's appearance, often indicating a particular state of mind or physical condition. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and suitable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Lifestyle

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glazed eyes" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a specific appearance of the eyes, often suggesting a state of detachment, intoxication, or fatigue. According to Ludwig AI, its use is appropriate in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, lifestyle content, and scientific publications. While its meaning is generally consistent, context is crucial for accurate interpretation, as it can also describe intense focus or daydreaming. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider alternative descriptions like "vacant stare" or "unfocused eyes" for variety. Using the phrase effectively helps to paint a vivid picture of a character or subject's state, making your writing more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Blank stare

Stresses the lack of comprehension or awareness in the eyes.

Glassy-eyed

Uses a different adjective to describe a similar appearance, often due to intoxication or fatigue.

Vacant stare

Focuses on the emptiness and lack of expression in the eyes.

Expressionless eyes

Highlights the absence of emotion or feeling in the eyes.

Dull eyes

Highlights the lack of brightness or sparkle in the eyes.

Distant gaze

Emphasizes the faraway or unfocused look in the eyes.

Unfocused eyes

Directly points out the lack of focus in the eyes.

Lethargic eyes

Indicates tiredness and a lack of energy reflected in the eyes.

Listless eyes

Suggests a lack of interest or enthusiasm shown in the eyes.

Inattentive eyes

Highlights a lack of attention or focus reflected in the eyes.

FAQs

How can I describe "glazed eyes" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "vacant stare", "blank stare", or "unfocused eyes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it typically mean when someone has "glazed eyes"?

Having "glazed eyes" often suggests a lack of focus or awareness, potentially due to fatigue, intoxication, or being lost in thought. The context usually provides further clarification.

Is it appropriate to use "glazed eyes" in formal writing?

Yes, "glazed eyes" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing a character's state or appearance in a narrative or descriptive context. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.

What are some visual cues associated with "glazed eyes"?

Visual cues often include a slightly unfocused gaze, a lack of blinking, and a general stillness in the eyes. Sometimes, it may be accompanied by dilated pupils or a reddish tinge, depending on the cause.