piercing gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

"piercing gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone looking at you with intense focus or concentration. For example, "She held him with her piercing gaze, daring him to challenge her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His strange, animal quavering cry and piercing gaze are entirely unique.

The Guardian - Film

"With a piercing gaze, Mr. Dupin scrutinized the painting's colors, its signature, its composition, its brush strokes," The Times wrote.

The New York Times - Arts

A disc of feathers around its face gives it the piercing gaze and acute hearing of an owl.

The Guardian

His scruffy beard and flat, piercing gaze gave him a Rasputinish quality, dulled somewhat by his Google Glass eyewear.

The New Yorker

No one at the show that night had found Chris's pale anemic looks and piercing gaze remotely endearing.

The Guardian - Books

The legendary Italian ref Pierluigi Collina, he of the billiard-ball head and piercing gaze, is briefly present.

The Guardian - Film

Udo resembles charismatic European artists of all kinds, with his energetic bearing, flowing gray hair and passionate, piercing gaze.

The New York Times

Charles Vanel, a craggy-faced actor with a piercing gaze who appeared in more than 200 movies, died today in a Cannes hospital.

The New York Times

“It’s amazing how quickly I grew to crave that cool, unnerving, piercing gaze that once made me feel so transparent,” he says.

MIT Technology Review

Ms. Hernandez had rendered him faithfully, from his imposing physique and piercing gaze, to the folds in his uniform and the veins in his hands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Work on your soul-piercing gaze.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "piercing gaze" to vividly depict a character's intensity or focus in your writing. This phrase is effective for creating a strong impression of someone who is observant, intimidating, or deeply thoughtful.

Common error

Avoid using "piercing gaze" excessively, as it can lose its impact and become cliché. Vary your descriptions of eye contact to maintain the reader's interest and create a more nuanced portrayal of characters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piercing gaze" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "piercing" modifies the noun "gaze", adding a sense of intensity and depth to the act of looking. Ludwig provides many examples of its use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piercing gaze" is a common and effective way to describe an intense or penetrating look. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in both formal and informal writing. While alternatives like "intense stare" or "penetrating stare" exist, "piercing gaze" offers a specific nuance that captures both the sharpness and depth of the look. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid weakening its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense stare

Focuses on the intensity of the look.

penetrating stare

Highlights the depth and insight conveyed by the look.

searching look

Emphasizes the inquisitive nature of the look.

sharp look

Implies a keen and perceptive observation.

fixed stare

Underscores the unwavering and unwavering aspect of the look.

soulful gaze

Suggests a deep emotional connection or understanding.

cold stare

Indicates a lack of warmth or emotion.

magnetic gaze

Highlights the captivating or alluring quality of the look.

deep look

Focuses on the profound nature of the observation.

keen look

Implies intelligence and understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "piercing gaze" to describe a look that is intense, penetrating, or unsettling. For example, "The detective fixed the suspect with a "piercing gaze", waiting for him to crack."

What are some alternatives to "piercing gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "intense stare", "penetrating stare", or "searching look" depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone has a "piercing gaze"?

A "piercing gaze" suggests that someone is looking at you with great intensity and focus, often implying intelligence, scrutiny, or even intimidation.

Is "piercing gaze" a formal or informal expression?

"Piercing gaze" is a neutral expression that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone of your writing than the setting.