stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this verb to talk about a fixed and intense gaze, often with a feeling of shock or surprise. For example: "The bride was stunned by the beauty of her wedding dress, standing still and staring in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But yes, he does stare at people from time to time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The small doorway leads into a huge, 19th-century riad centred around a beautiful courtyard, filled with lemon trees and trickling marble fountains; the edge of the space is taken up by arches that create little nooks to drink, sit, read and stare at the blue sky above.

The Guardian - Travel

"One of her beliefs," Tom says, "is that she'll have a panic attack in public, will faint and everyone will laugh, stare, point, and no one will help".

The Guardian

Dutton attempted to stare down detailed arguments from health practitioners post-budget that the government's safety net system for the co-payments was at odds with the government's descriptions of it.

The Guardian

You can tell by the way they stare into the middle distance over a cup of cooling tea, doomed to replay the scene endlessly in their minds, thinking up the witty asides that would have won over the director.

The Guardian

Related: 100 days of solitude: Syriza struggles as Greeks once again stare into the abyss The warnings came as the European commission slashed its forecast for Greece's growth rate this year, predicting the economy would expand by a mere 0.5%, compared with the 2.5% it had projected barely three months ago.

The Guardian

We all stare, fixated, out of the window.

The Guardian - Travel

All around the chancellor, the kitchen is abuzz with activity – wife Maggie rustling up the teas and coffees, special adviser Catherine trying to stare her BlackBerry into submission, and Darling's daughter, Anna, perched on the windowseat, peeking at a mound of newspapers.

The Guardian

Perhaps one day our grandchildren will say, hang on, so as well as going to stare at monkeys in cages, people used to eat something called a shepherd's pie?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Iraq's government closed Abu Ghraib in April 2014 and it now stands empty, 15 miles from Baghdad's western outskirts, near the frontline between Isis and Iraq's security forces, who seem perennially under-prepared as they stare into the heat haze shimmering over the highway that leads towards the badlands of Falluja and Ramadi.

The Guardian

Leaving a puckered scar on the surface of humanity, so that the rest of time might point and stare.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stare" to describe a prolonged, often intense or surprised, look at someone or something. Avoid using it when a brief glance would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "stare" when you mean a quick look. "Stare" implies a longer, more intent gaze, while "glance" suggests a brief look.

Linguistic Context

The word "stare" functions primarily as a verb, describing the action of looking intently and fixedly at something or someone. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of staring itself. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

The Guardian

30%

The Economist

30%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Opinion

5%

Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stare" is a versatile term used to describe a prolonged, intent gaze. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It can function as both a verb and a noun, conveying a range of emotions from curiosity to disapproval. The primary contexts where "stare" appears are News & Media from The Guardian and The Economist. When using "stare", be mindful of the social implications, as prolonged staring can be considered impolite. Consider alternatives like "gaze" or "peer" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid confusing "stare" with "glance", which implies a much briefer look.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaze

Implies a soft, loving, or dreamy look.

peer

Suggests looking closely or with difficulty.

glare

Implies staring angrily or fiercely.

ogle

Indicates staring with lust or desire.

fixate

Means focusing intently, sometimes obsessively.

observe

Suggests watching carefully for a specific purpose.

scrutinize

Indicates examining closely and critically.

leer

Suggests staring in a sly or unpleasant way.

watch

Means looking at something for an extended time.

contemplate

Suggests looking thoughtfully and reflectively.

FAQs

How to use "stare" in a sentence?

The verb "stare" describes looking intently at someone or something. For example: "The cat began to stare at the mouse hole, patiently waiting."

What can I say instead of "stare"?

You can use alternatives like "gaze", "peer", or "observe" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "stare" and "glance"?

"Stare" implies a long, fixed look, whereas "glance" indicates a brief, quick look.

Is it rude to stare?

In many cultures, staring is considered impolite, especially if it's prolonged or directed at someone's physical appearance. It's often interpreted as intrusive or disrespectful.