squint

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "squint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as both a verb and a noun, with the verb meaning "to look at something with a narrow or partly shut eye" or "to look at something with a fixed and intense gaze" and the noun meaning "a squinting eye." Example sentence: She squinted her eyes to read the small text on the sign.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his paintings hard noon light casts unflattering shadows on his sitters, who grimace and squint in protest.

The Guardian - Arts

I squint at him suspiciously.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The surge in hiring is clearly visible in the chart below:Fine, so you have to squint a bit.In truth, the jobs report is a strong one.

The Economist

But after the first injection, Diaz continued to move, squint and grimace as he tried to mouth words.

The Economist

OBESE, waddling, pompously leaden of rhetoric, with a war record that some consider criminal and a squint that broadened with every passing year: outsiders never found it easy to comprehend what Israelis saw in Ariel Sharon.

The Economist

At first squint, this might look wise: preaching national unity, Mr Karzai has done heroic service.

The Economist

AN ENGLISHMAN likes a routine: Marmite on his toast, warm beer in his glass, bad teeth in his mouth and, for a couple of million readers of the Sun, a squint at Kelly from Daventry's boobs on Page 3.

The Economist

This victory will help revive a venerable tradition of America's political culture, that of viewing congressional actions with a skeptical constitutional squint, searching for congruence with the Constitution's architecture of enumerated powers.

The Economist

The figures mutilate and torture each other in lovingly intimate detail, requiring the viewer to squint guiltily at each miniature atrocity.

The Economist

Squint and it is just about possible to see some broad parallels with the 1960s: China and India are rising powers, developing rapidly and, outwardly at least, full of confidence; America is uncertain, weighed down by foreign misadventures and a misfiring economy.China is the more advanced newcomer.

The Economist

Squint, and there could almost be two David Camerons.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction to bright light, use "squint" to vividly portray their discomfort or effort to see clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "squint" interchangeably with medical terms like "nearsightedness" or "astigmatism". "Squint" specifically refers to the act of partially closing the eyes or a condition where the eyes are misaligned (strabismus).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "squint" is as both a verb, describing the action of partially closing one's eyes, and a noun, referring to the act or condition of having eyes that are not aligned. Ludwig shows examples of both uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "squint" functions as both a verb and a noun, commonly used to describe the action of partially closing one's eyes or a condition of eye misalignment. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. Usage patterns reveal its prevalence in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias". When writing, remember that "squint" refers specifically to narrowing the eyes or a misalignment, not general vision problems. Consider alternatives like "peer" or "glance" for nuanced meanings. By understanding these details, writers can confidently and accurately use "squint" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peer

Focuses on looking intently or with difficulty.

glance

Highlights a quick or brief look.

peek

Implies a secretive or quick look, often from a hidden position.

gaze

Suggests a prolonged and steady look.

look askance

Indicates a sideways glance, often with disapproval or suspicion.

narrow one's eyes

Emphasizes the physical action of partially closing the eyes.

look indirectly

Refers to a non-direct approach in observing or considering something.

have a sidelong glance

Describes a glance that is directed to the side.

strabismus

Refers to a medical condition of misaligned eyes.

hagioscope

Refers to a specific architectural feature allowing a view of the altar in a church.

FAQs

How can I use "squint" in a sentence?

You can use "squint" as a verb, such as "She had to squint to read the sign in the distance" or as a noun, such as "He has a slight squint in his left eye".

What does it mean to "squint"?

To "squint" means to look at something with your eyes partially closed, either because the light is too bright or because you are trying to see something more clearly. It can also refer to the condition of having eyes that are not properly aligned (strabismus).

What are some synonyms for the verb "squint"?

Some synonyms for the verb "squint" include "peer", "glance", and "peek", each carrying a slightly different connotation of looking.

What is the difference between "squint" and "strabismus"?

"Squint" can refer to the action of narrowing one's eyes, but it is also a common term for "strabismus", a condition where the eyes are misaligned. Strabismus is the medical term for this condition.