judgmental gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "judgmental gaze" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe a look or stare that evaluates or assesses a person or situation in a critical or disapproving way. For example: "The stranger's judgmental gaze made me feel uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Emily is the actress; Maggie drives the van under the judgmental gaze of her father.

The New York Times

So does Mr. Carrey's character in the "Bruce Almighty" trailer: Mr. Freeman's God fixes him with a kindly, judgmental gaze, and tells him he's dead.

The New York Times

A different kind of musician, the singer-songwriter Nick Drake, craved greater recognition for his delicate acoustic compositions, but he, too, shied away from the judgmental gaze of an audience.

The Guardian - Books

She notes in one essay that "to be white in the streets of Accra is to feel oneself curiously anonymous and almost invisible", liberated from both her moral burden and the judgmental gaze of her compatriots back home.

The Guardian - Books

What was he good for?" she says – and later, in her own marriage to a working man named Pat, she turns the same judgmental gaze on her own husband.

The Guardian - Books

It'll never force you to bring it to the nursery, or to confront the judgmental gaze of the woman at the counter as she tells you it's too late and then mutters something under her breath about how you "keep doing this".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We want our discerning, judgmental consumerist gaze to range over the entire production and distribution cycle of the items we buy and the services we support.

Huffington Post

It would be nice, if the judgments and gazes that followed weren't quite so judgmental and gazing.

The New York Times

"There's always been a need for black men to find spaces where they could commune without fear of a sort of judgmental or voyeuristic gaze," said Nigerian-born poet-playwright Inua Ellams, who spent weeks traveling around England and Africa researching "Barber Shop Chronicles," at the Loeb Mainstage through Jan . 5 Twelve actors take on 30 roles in the play.

Harvard University

To cultural and gender studies he bequeathed the enticing idea that the judgmental look or predatory gaze of others shaped and commonly distorted a person's sense of who they were.In a typical twist, Sartre added that people were entirely free to reject the verdicts of others and their stereotyping.

The Economist

They still looked angry, their eyes unkind and judgmental, but now their gazes were fueled with vindication.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "judgmental gaze" to vividly depict a character's disapproval or critical evaluation in your writing. This phrase adds depth and emotional weight to descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using additional descriptors that reiterate the judgmental aspect. For example, saying "highly judgmental gaze" is redundant since the word "judgmental" already implies a critical assessment.

Linguistic Context

Judgmental gaze functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (person or object) to indicate a critical or disapproving observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. The phrase paints a picture of scrutiny and evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "judgmental gaze" effectively conveys a critical or disapproving look, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a descriptive phrase, most commonly found in News & Media sources, books, and lifestyle content. While grammatically correct and relatively common, it is important to avoid redundancy when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "critical stare" or "disapproving look" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to communicate. The presence of this phrase across various reputable sources indicates its widespread acceptance and utility in written English. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical contexts, writers can effectively utilize "judgmental gaze" to add depth and emotional resonance to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical stare

Focuses on the intensity and critical nature of the look.

disapproving look

Highlights the disapproval conveyed through the gaze.

condemning glare

Emphasizes a strong sense of condemnation in the look.

censorious look

Replaces "judgmental" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a scrutinizing gaze.

reproving glance

Indicates a mild form of disapproval or criticism.

evaluative stare

Highlights the act of assessing or evaluating through a prolonged look.

scrutinizing gaze

Focuses on the thorough and detailed examination implied by the gaze.

appraising look

Highlights the assessment or evaluation being made by the person looking.

cold stare

Emphasizes the emotionless and potentially hostile nature of the look.

piercing look of assessment

Highlights the invasive and evaluative nature of the gaze.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "judgmental gaze" in a sentence?

Use "judgmental gaze" to illustrate a character's critical or disapproving observation of another person or situation. For example, "She felt uncomfortable under his "judgmental gaze"." The phrase evokes a sense of scrutiny and potential disapproval.

What are some alternatives to "judgmental gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "critical stare", "disapproving look", or "condemning glare" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The intensity and specific emotion conveyed can be altered by changing the wording.

What does "judgmental gaze" imply in literature?

In literature, "judgmental gaze" often suggests a power dynamic or a character's internal conflict. It can symbolize societal pressures or the character's own critical self-perception, leading to themes of shame, guilt, or rebellion against societal norms.

How does the connotation of "judgmental gaze" differ from "observant gaze"?

While both phrases involve looking, "judgmental gaze" carries a negative connotation implying disapproval or criticism. In contrast, "observant gaze" suggests neutral observation without inherent negative judgment. The former is critical, while the latter is simply attentive.