piercing glare

USAGE SUMMARY

"piercing glare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense or intimidating look from someone. For example, "The boss gave him a piercing glare as he walked into the office late for the third time that week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Savages reclaimed the frenetic, dissonant drones and crescendos of bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, with the ascending wail and piercing glare of its lead singer, Jehnny Beth.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's tight because I love you," her aunt said with a piercing glare.

The New Yorker

The figure of Steve Jobs – hunched and harried, but with that familiar piercing glare – now decorates one of the Jungle's hulking concrete walls.

Independent

The artist looked at me with a piercing glare.

Vice

The woman stays silent throughout but pins me with a piercing glare.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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Vice

You could walk into your local UPS or FedEx, but would have to deal with the soul piercing judgmental glare of packaging attendants.

TechCrunch

Harvey!" The pitcher with the beard and the piercing eyes glared furiously at Collins.

The Guardian - Sport

Piercing question.

Huffington Post

Nose piercing.

WikiHow

"Well," Slipper said pinioning Brennan with the piercing, ice-blue glare that had helped many a scoundrel to sharpen the recollections of his misconduct, "I have travelled a very long way, having left home at very short notice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "piercing glare" to describe a look that is not only intense but also seems to penetrate or see through the subject, conveying discomfort or intimidation.

Common error

Avoid using "piercing glare" to simply describe someone looking; the phrase implies an intent or effect beyond just seeing. A piercing glare suggests scrutiny, judgment, or threat. Prefer using verbs like 'look', 'watch' or 'observe'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piercing glare" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, as showcased in the examples provided, describing a specific type of intense and penetrating look.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "piercing glare" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes an intense, penetrating look, often conveying intimidation or scrutiny. Ludwig AI’s analysis, supported by examples from sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrates its usage in News & Media and Wiki articles. While not overly common, the phrase effectively communicates a specific type of gaze that goes beyond mere looking. When using "piercing glare", consider the intent and emotional context, as it implies more than just seeing; it suggests an attempt to see through or unsettle the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense stare

Focuses on the intensity of the look, rather than its sharpness.

penetrating gaze

Highlights the depth and insight conveyed by the look.

sharp look

Emphasizes the pointed and critical nature of the look.

cold stare

Indicates a lack of warmth or emotion in the look.

icy gaze

Suggests a distant and unfriendly look.

stern look

Highlights the seriousness and disapproval conveyed.

fixed stare

Focuses on the unwavering nature of the look.

searching gaze

Emphasizes the intent to find something hidden.

scrutinizing look

Highlights the detailed and critical examination conveyed.

laser-like focus

Describes an intense and unwavering concentration of sight.

FAQs

How to use "piercing glare" in a sentence?

You can use "piercing glare" to describe a look that is both intense and penetrating, such as "The detective gave the suspect a piercing glare, hoping to elicit a confession." It is best used when the look is meant to be intimidating or insightful.

What can I say instead of "piercing glare"?

You can use alternatives like "intense stare", "penetrating gaze", or "sharp look" depending on the context. Each of these carries a slightly different nuance of intensity or focus.

Which is correct, "piercing glare" or "piercing stare"?

Both "piercing glare" and "piercing stare" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Glare" often implies anger or disapproval, while "stare" is more neutral. Choose the word that best fits the emotion you want to convey.

What's the difference between "piercing glare" and "cold stare"?

A "piercing glare" suggests an intent to see through someone or something, often conveying intimidation. A "cold stare" indicates a lack of emotion or warmth, implying indifference or disdain. The former is about penetration, the latter about emotionlessness.