gaze
gayz
Gaze (verb) means to look at something steadily and for a long time, often in wonder, admiration, or deep thought. Example: “She gazed out of the window, lost in thought.”
verb
1
To look at something steadily and for a long time, often in wonder, admiration, or deep thought.
"She gazed out of the window, lost in thought."
"They stood gazing at the stars for hours."
"The children gazed in wonder at the fireworks lighting up the night sky."
noun
1
A long, steady, intent look.
"His gaze lingered on the old photograph."
"She felt his gaze from across the room."
"The old sailor fixed his gaze on the horizon and said nothing."
How to use gaze
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA long, fixed look, or the act of looking at something that way.
Common mistake
Gaze implies a sustained, often thoughtful look — it's stronger than a quick "glance," which is brief.
Common pairings
gaze into the distance
meet someone's gaze
a fixed gaze
avert one's gaze
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Word forms
- Plural
- gazes
- Third person singular
- gazes
- Past tense
- gazed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ out of the window, lost in thought.
Etymology
From Middle English gasen; likely related to a Scandinavian root connected to staring or gaping.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gaze
See all rhymes for gaze →Frequently asked questions
What does “gaze” mean?
The word “gaze” means to look at something steadily and for a long time, often in wonder, admiration, or deep thought. In plain terms, a long, fixed look, or the act of looking at something that way.
How do you pronounce “gaze”?
“Gaze” is pronounced gayz (/ɡeɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “gaze” in a sentence?
Here is “gaze” used in a sentence: “She gazed out of the window, lost in thought.”
What is another word for “gaze”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gaze” include gape, stare and muse.
What part of speech is “gaze”?
Depending on how it is used, “gaze” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gaze” come from?
The word “gaze” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gasen; likely related to a Scandinavian root connected to staring or gaping.
Is “gaze” a common word?
“Gaze” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “gaze” have?
“Gaze” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to look at something steadily and for a long time, often in wonder, admiration, or deep thought.
What is the difference between "gaze" and "stare"?
"Gaze" usually suggests looking steadily at something for a long time out of wonder, admiration, or deep thought, giving it a softer, more contemplative feel. "Stare" can carry the same steadiness but often implies a more fixed, sometimes rude or unsettling look, without the same connotation of admiration.
What is the difference between "gaze" and "glance"?
A "gaze" is a long, steady, intent look, while a "glance" is brief and quick. The two words describe opposite ends of looking-duration, with "gaze" implying sustained attention and "glance" implying only a momentary one.
Is "gaze" a formal or literary word?
"Gaze" tends to appear more often in descriptive or literary writing than in everyday casual speech, where "look" or "stare" are more common, though it is not restricted to formal contexts.
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