adv
askance
Askance (adv) means In a disapproving or suspicious way.
adv
1
In a disapproving or suspicious way.
"The scandal of opposition died down, and the stone-carver himself, though the town-folk continued to eye him askance, was able to secure other work through the favor of discriminating patrons."
— Clark Ashton Smith, The Maker of Gargoyles (1932)
"The beggar asked for change, but the haughty woman only looked at him askance."
"Even the Democrat voters that might look askance at a Green Party candidate, I want you guys to consider this."
— Nathan J. Robinson, The Green Party’s Butch Ware: “I Love a Good Fight (2026)
2
From the side; not straight on.
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Etymology
The origin is unknown. It may come from Middle English askances ('as if'), or from Old French a escone ('hidden') or Italian a scancio ('obliquely'). Compare asquint, Middle English askoyn ('at a slant, askance'), Dutch schuin, schuins ('sideways'), schuiven ('to shove'), and schuinte ('slope').
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for askance
See all rhymes for askance →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of askance?
"askance" (adv) means in a disapproving or suspicious way.
What is another word for askance?
Other words for "askance" include suspiciously, sideways, obliquely.
What is the opposite of askance?
The opposite of "askance" is direct.
What are the different meanings of askance?
"askance" has 2 main meanings: 1. In a disapproving or suspicious way; 2. From the side; not straight on.
