steady stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steady stare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fixed, unwavering look that someone gives, often implying intensity or focus. Example: "She met his steady stare, unflinching and confident in her stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Unlike the skittish females, he holds his ground, tilting his angular head and subjecting me to a steady stare as I raise my camera.

The Guardian

Played with a firm, uningratiating beauty by the half-Swedish Caroline Lagerfelt – loose hair, steady stare, level delivery, silk dressing gown and big brown brogues – she unsettles, abuses, tantalises and leaves.

The Guardian

The film is a steady stare at a bodily function, continuing a series he has been making which so far include vomiting, defecating and full-on close-up intercourse.

The Guardian - Arts

Frears's use of mirroring devices offers us, via Mirren's steady stare straight to camera, the "inside/outsideness of the feminine gaze [which] produces the moment of double consciousness... of being within and outside of history, performing as both reenactment and rewriting" (87).

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Apart from practical reasons, like the greater convenience of parking, they are also unnerved by the steady stares of idle men sitting on the walls, standing on the sidewalks.

The New York Times

Her father, Captain Victor af Klint, was an admiral, mathematician and occasional violinist – with, as his portrait reveals, the same steady blue stare as his daughter, and flourishing sideburns.

The Guardian - Arts

"Reading the script," he says slowly, "I was taken by how simple, how spare it was". Ben's eyes are sharp, his stare steady, and his arm tattoos are real.

HuffPost

Her stare is steady and stern, but the edges of her lips curve gently upward; a smile in emergence.

HuffPost

Seventh-grader Jonathan Barton steadied himself and stared down his target.

Los Angeles Times

That glistening stare, that slow and steady head raise -- you can tell he's taking it all very seriously.

HuffPost

She stared at my mother with steady eyes.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steady stare" to describe a look that is not only fixed but also conveys a sense of calm assurance or unwavering focus. For example, "Despite the chaos around her, she maintained a "steady stare", projecting confidence."

Common error

Avoid using "steady stare" when the intention is to describe an aggressive or intimidating look. While it can imply intensity, "steady" primarily suggests stability and control. For a more aggressive connotation, consider "glare" or "piercing gaze."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady stare" functions as a noun phrase, where 'steady' modifies 'stare'. It describes a particular type of gaze characterized by its unwavering and focused nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steady stare" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe an unwavering gaze that conveys focus or intensity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is suitable for various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it also finds use in academic settings. Alternatives such as "fixed gaze" or "intense gaze" can be used to vary the language. When using "steady stare", ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and avoids misinterpretation as aggression, instead emphasizing control and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fixed gaze

Emphasizes the unwavering and focused nature of the look.

unwavering gaze

Highlights the lack of deviation in the stare.

intense gaze

Focuses on the strength and concentration behind the stare.

piercing look

Suggests the stare is sharp and penetrating.

direct gaze

Highlights the lack of subtlety in the stare.

constant gaze

Focuses on the continuous, unbroken nature of the look.

unflinching gaze

Emphasizes the fearlessness of the stare.

resolute gaze

Suggests the stare conveys determination and purpose.

focused gaze

Highlights the concentration and attention in the stare.

intent stare

Emphasizes the purposefulness of the stare.

FAQs

How can I use "steady stare" in a sentence?

You can use "steady stare" to describe a fixed, unwavering look. For example, "The lizard gave me a "steady stare" as I approached", or "She met his "steady stare" with a confident smile."

What is the difference between a "steady stare" and a "blank stare"?

A "steady stare" implies focus and intent, while a "blank stare" suggests a lack of comprehension or emotion. The former is deliberate; the latter is often vacant.

What can I say instead of "steady stare"?

You can use alternatives like "fixed gaze", "unwavering gaze", or "intense gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "steady stare" formal or informal language?

"Steady stare" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the situation.