When one gazes intently, or fixes their sight upon an object or individual for an extended duration, they are said to "stare." This act frequently transpires in moments of profound astonishment, consternation, or deep contemplation, where the observer's eyes remain wide and unblinking.
It denotes a sustained and often unconscious absorption in the visual perception of something, diverging from a casual glance in its intensity and prolonged nature. Such prolonged visual engagement can convey a spectrum of non-verbal cues, ranging from profound curiosity to overt surprise or even a disconcerting invasiveness, depending on the context and cultural nuances.
§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions
The verb 'stare' is often followed by specific prepositions that help to describe the direction or object of the gaze. Understanding these prepositions is key to using 'stare' correctly.
- Stare at
- This is the most common preposition used with 'stare'. It indicates that you are looking directly at a specific person or object for a long period.
Why are you staring at me?
He would often stare at the stars, lost in thought.
- Stare into
- This preposition is used when someone is looking deeply into something, often with a sense of wonder, concentration, or sometimes emptiness. It suggests a more intense or focused gaze than 'stare at'.
She couldn't help but stare into his eyes, mesmerized.
He would sometimes stare into space, deep in contemplation.
- Stare out (of)
- This phrase is used when someone is looking out of a window or opening, often indicating a passive or reflective gaze.
She liked to stare out the window on rainy days.
He would stare out into the garden while he drank his morning coffee.
- Stare blankly/vacantly
- These adverbs are often used with 'stare' to describe a look that lacks expression or thought, often due to shock, boredom, or deep thought.
After the accident, he just stared blankly ahead.
She would sometimes stare vacantly at the television, not really watching.
§ Common mistakes to avoid
Using 'stare' without a preposition: While 'look' can sometimes be used alone (e.g., "Look at that!"), 'stare' almost always requires a preposition to indicate what is being stared at or into.
Confusing 'stare' with 'glance' or 'peek': 'Stare' is a prolonged gaze, whereas 'glance' and 'peek' imply a quick, brief look.
Overusing 'stare': Because 'stare' can sometimes have a negative connotation (implying rudeness or intensity), it's important to choose other verbs like 'look', 'gaze', or 'watch' when a softer or more neutral expression is needed.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
He likes to stare at the stars.
Он любит смотреть на звёзды.
Don't stare at people, it's not polite.
Не смотри на людей, это не вежливо.
She would often stare out of the window.
Она часто смотрела в окно.
The cat stared at the bird.
Кот уставился на птицу.
Why are you staring at me?
Почему ты на меня смотришь?
He gave me a long stare.
Он долго смотрел на меня.
The child stared at the toy with big eyes.
Ребёнок смотрел на игрушку большими глазами.
I sometimes stare at the ocean.
Иногда я смотрю на океан.
It's impolite to stare at people, especially strangers.
No es de buena educación quedarse mirando a la gente, especialmente a los desconocidos.
The verb 'stare' is often followed by 'at' when indicating the object of the gaze.
She couldn't help but stare at the beautiful painting in the museum.
No pudo evitar quedarse mirando el hermoso cuadro en el museo.
Using 'couldn't help but stare' emphasizes an involuntary action.
The children would stare in amazement at the magician's tricks.
Los niños miraban asombrados los trucos del mago.
'Stare in amazement' is a common collocation.
He continued to stare blankly out the window, lost in thought.
Él siguió mirando fijamente por la ventana, perdido en sus pensamientos.
Adverbs like 'blankly' can describe the manner of staring.
Don't stare; it makes people feel uncomfortable.
No mires fijamente; hace que la gente se sienta incómoda.
This is a direct command, emphasizing the negative connotation of staring.
Everyone began to stare when the strange man walked into the room.
Todos comenzaron a mirar cuando el hombre extraño entró en la habitación.
The past simple tense is used to describe a completed action.
She felt a pair of eyes stare at her from across the crowded cafe.
Ella sintió un par de ojos mirándola desde el otro lado del café abarrotado.
This sentence uses 'stare at her' to show the direction of the gaze.
He had a habit of staring at his phone for hours every day.
Tenía la costumbre de mirar su teléfono durante horas todos los días.
'Have a habit of staring' indicates a recurring action.
The sheer audacity of his proposal made me stare, utterly speechless at the brazenness.
The boldness of his proposal made me stare, speechless at the impudence.
Using 'utterly speechless' emphasizes the profound impact of the proposal.
She couldn't help but stare at the intricate fresco, mesmerized by the vibrant hues and meticulous detail.
She couldn't help but stare at the detailed fresco, captivated by the colors and precise detail.
'Mesmerized by' indicates a strong, almost hypnotic fascination.
He continued to stare blankly into the middle distance, his thoughts seemingly miles away, lost in a profound contemplation.
He continued to stare emptily into the distance, his thoughts far away, lost in deep thought.
'Blankly into the middle distance' conveys a sense of detachment and introspection.
Despite the uncomfortable silence, neither of them dared to break eye contact, choosing instead to stare defiantly at each other.
Despite the awkward silence, neither dared to look away, choosing instead to stare challengingly at each other.
'Defiantly' adds a layer of challenge or resistance to the act of staring.
The sudden, unexpected revelation caused her to stare, her mind struggling to reconcile the new information with her existing beliefs.
The sudden, surprising revelation made her stare, her mind trying to understand the new information in light of what she already believed.
'Struggling to reconcile' highlights the cognitive effort involved.
As the formidable storm gathered strength on the horizon, we could only stare, awestruck by its raw, untamed power.
As the powerful storm grew on the horizon, we could only stare, amazed by its wild strength.
'Awestruck by' emphasizes a feeling of wonder and respect mixed with fear.
He had a disconcerting habit of allowing his gaze to linger, making strangers feel compelled to stare back, albeit reluctantly.
He had an unsettling habit of letting his gaze linger, making strangers feel forced to stare back, even if they didn't want to.
'Disconcerting habit' describes an unsettling or disturbing behavior.
To stare unblinkingly at the sun, even briefly, can cause irreparable damage to the retina, a fact often underestimated.
To stare without blinking at the sun, even for a short time, can cause permanent damage to the eye, a fact often not fully appreciated.
'Irreparable damage' emphasizes the permanent nature of the harm.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
stare at someone
stare into space
stare daggers at someone
stare out the window
stare in disbelief
stare in amazement
stare open-mouthed
stare straight ahead
stare back at someone
stare down someone
اختبر نفسك 60 أسئلة
Don't _____ at people, it's rude.
To 'stare' means to look at someone for a long time, often in a way that can be considered impolite.
The children _____ at the candy in the shop window.
They looked at the candy for a long time because they wanted it, which fits the meaning of 'stared'.
She tried not to _____ at the strange man.
She made an effort not to look at him for a long time, fitting the definition of 'stare'.
Why do you always _____ at your phone?
Looking at your phone for a long time without interruption is often described as 'staring'.
He would _____ out of the window for hours.
To look out of the window for a long time without much movement is 'to stare'.
I saw him _____ at the painting in the museum.
When you look at a painting intensely for a long period, you 'stare' at it.
Write a short sentence about someone looking at a painting for a long time. Use the word "stare".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
She likes to stare at the painting.
Imagine you see a very cute cat. What do you do? Write one sentence using the word "stare".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I stare at the cute cat.
Complete the sentence: 'He likes to _______ at the stars at night.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
He likes to stare at the stars at night.
What did the boy do when he saw the dog?
Read this passage:
The little boy saw a big dog. The dog was very friendly. The boy did not move. He began to stare at the dog.
What did the boy do when he saw the dog?
The passage says, 'He began to stare at the dog.'
The passage says, 'He began to stare at the dog.'
Why did the friend stare at the bug?
Read this passage:
My friend found a strange bug in the garden. She did not know what it was. She decided to stare at it to learn more.
Why did the friend stare at the bug?
The passage says, 'She decided to stare at it to learn more.'
The passage says, 'She decided to stare at it to learn more.'
How did the baby look when it stared at the toy?
Read this passage:
The baby saw a new toy. It was red and big. The baby started to stare at the toy with wide eyes. It looked very happy.
How did the baby look when it stared at the toy?
The passage says, 'It looked very happy.'
The passage says, 'It looked very happy.'
Listen for the advice about looking at people.
What does the girl enjoy looking at?
Why was it hard for him to stop looking?
Read this aloud:
Please don't stare.
Focus: stare
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
She likes to stare at the stars.
Focus: stars
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Why do you stare?
Focus: why, stare
قلت:
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It's considered impolite to ___ at people, especially in public places.
'Stare' implies looking for a long time, often in an impolite way, which fits the context of the sentence.
She couldn't help but ___ at the magnificent artwork, completely captivated by its beauty.
In this context, 'stare' conveys the idea of looking intensely and for a long time, out of admiration and captivation.
The children would often ___ at the display of toys in the shop window, dreaming of owning them.
'Stare' here suggests a prolonged and eager look, often associated with longing or wonder, which fits children looking at toys.
After the shocking news, he could only ___ blankly at the wall, unable to process what he had heard.
'Stare blankly' is a common collocation that describes looking without focus, often due to shock or deep thought.
Don't ___ at me like that; it makes me feel uncomfortable.
'Stare' often carries a connotation of making someone uncomfortable when directed at them, making it the most appropriate choice.
She felt a sudden urge to ___ at the old photograph, trying to recall every detail of her past.
Here, 'stare' implies a focused and prolonged look, often when trying to remember or analyze something in detail.
This sentence describes the audience's reaction to a surprising event, using 'stare' to convey their astonishment.
This sentence uses 'stare' in the context of social etiquette, highlighting an impolite action.
Here, 'stare' implies a deep focus and admiration for the detailed artwork.
The sudden silence caused everyone to ___ intently at the speaker, anticipating her next words.
To 'stare' implies looking fixedly, often due to surprise, shock, or deep thought, which fits the context of anticipating important words. 'Glance' is a quick look, 'peer' is looking with difficulty, and 'gaze' is a prolonged, often contemplative look, but 'stare' better conveys the intensity in this situation.
He couldn't help but ___ at the intricate details of the ancient tapestry, marveling at the craftsmanship.
Here, 'stare' conveys a prolonged, intense look, often indicative of being engrossed or surprised by something, which aligns with marveling at intricate details. 'Peep' is a quick, secretive look. 'Scan' is to look over quickly, and 'observe' is to watch carefully, but 'stare' emphasizes the fixed, awestruck gaze.
The unexpected revelation made her ___ blankly into space, struggling to process the information.
To 'stare blankly into space' perfectly captures the act of looking fixedly without focus, often due to shock or deep thought, which is consistent with struggling to process information. 'Glance' and 'peek' are quick looks, and 'view' is to look at something with purpose.
Despite the commotion, he remained impassive, continuing to ___ at the flickering candlelight, lost in thought.
To 'stare' at the candlelight, lost in thought, suggests a prolonged, fixed gaze, often indicating deep contemplation or absorption. 'Glimpse' is a brief, incomplete view. 'Watch' implies observing an action, and 'see' is the general act of perceiving with eyes.
The security guard was trained to ___ at suspicious individuals, not letting them out of his sight.
In this context, 'stare' implies a fixed, watchful gaze, characteristic of a security guard keeping a close eye on someone. 'Blink' and 'wink' are momentary eye actions. 'Ogle' implies a lecherous stare, which is not the intended meaning here.
She couldn't help but ___ in awe at the majestic aurora borealis, its colors dancing across the night sky.
To 'stare in awe' accurately conveys a prolonged, fixed gaze due to amazement or wonder, which is fitting for observing the aurora borealis. 'Flicker' is a brief, unsteady movement. 'Squint' is to narrow one's eyes, and 'glower' is to look with an angry or sullen expression.
Focus on the emotion conveyed by 'stare'.
Consider why she was staring.
Think about the effect of his stare.
Read this aloud:
Can you elaborate on why people often stare when they encounter something truly unexpected or extraordinary?
Focus: elaborate, unexpected, extraordinary
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Describe a situation where you found yourself staring at something, and explain the emotions or thoughts that accompanied that moment.
Focus: situation, accompanied, emotions
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
In what contexts might a prolonged stare be considered rude or intrusive, and how can one avoid making others uncomfortable?
Focus: prolonged, intrusive, uncomfortable
قلت:
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Describe a time you found yourself staring intently at something or someone. What was the situation, what emotions were you experiencing, and what thoughts were going through your mind? Elaborate on the context and your internal monologue.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I recall a moment during a contemporary art exhibition when I became utterly transfixed by a particular sculpture. It was a chaotic assemblage of discarded mechanical parts, yet it possessed a strange, unsettling beauty. I stared at it for what felt like an eternity, my mind grappling with its potential meanings and the artist's intent. Was it a commentary on industrial decay, or perhaps a celebration of reinvention? My initial astonishment gradually gave way to a deep contemplation of the piece's intricate details, each cog and spring telling its own silent story.
Imagine you are a detective observing a suspect. Detail the suspect's 'stare' and what you infer from it. Consider their body language, the duration of their gaze, and the overall impression it leaves on you, the observer. Focus on descriptive language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The suspect's stare was unwavering, a penetrating gaze that seemed to bore right through me. It wasn't aggressive, but rather a disquieting blend of calculation and a faint, almost imperceptible hint of defiance. His eyes, though fixed on a distant point, never truly lost their intensity. I inferred a deep preoccupation, perhaps a carefully constructed facade. Every so often, his gaze would flick momentarily to the side, a subtle tell that suggested he was scrutinizing his surroundings, even as he maintained his outward composure. It was a revealing stare, hinting at a mind constantly working, always assessing.
Discuss the social implications of 'staring' in different cultural contexts. When is it considered rude, and when might it be acceptable or even expected? Provide examples to illustrate your points.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The act of staring carries vastly different social implications across various cultural contexts. In many Western societies, an extended, direct stare can be perceived as rude, aggressive, or even a challenge, often prompting discomfort and a sense of invasion of personal space. Children are frequently taught 'gaze aversion' as a sign of respect, particularly when addressing elders. However, in some cultures, a direct and sustained gaze can signify attentiveness, honesty, and respect during a conversation. For instance, in certain Latin American cultures, maintaining eye contact can be crucial for building trust. Conversely, in some East Asian cultures, prolonged direct eye contact with a superior might be seen as confrontational or disrespectful, with a downward gaze often indicating deference. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective cross-cultural non-verbal communication, as what is polite in one context can be deeply offensive in another.
What is the primary reason the figure is staring at the painting?
Read this passage:
In the dimly lit gallery, a lone figure stood before a canvas, his eyes fixed in an unwavering stare. The painting depicted a turbulent sea, its waves crashing with an almost palpable fury. He was oblivious to the hushed conversations around him, lost in the artist's masterful rendition of chaos. This sustained gaze was not born of idle curiosity, but a profound connection to the artwork's emotional depth, pulling him into its stormy embrace.
What is the primary reason the figure is staring at the painting?
The passage states he was 'lost in the artist's masterful rendition of chaos' and felt 'a profound connection to the artwork's emotional depth,' indicating his stare was due to being deeply moved by the painting.
The passage states he was 'lost in the artist's masterful rendition of chaos' and felt 'a profound connection to the artwork's emotional depth,' indicating his stare was due to being deeply moved by the painting.
What does the passage imply about the old woman's 'stare'?
Read this passage:
The old woman sat by the window, her gaze directed outwards, a habit cultivated over decades. She wasn't truly seeing the bustling street below, but rather a tapestry of memories unspooling in her mind's eye. Her stare, though outwardly vacant, was intensely focused on an inner world, a silent dialogue with moments long past. It was a testament to a life richly lived, replayed in the theater of her thoughts.
What does the passage imply about the old woman's 'stare'?
The passage explicitly states she 'wasn't truly seeing the bustling street below, but rather a tapestry of memories unspooling in her mind's eye,' and her stare was 'intensely focused on an inner world,' indicating she was deep in thought.
The passage explicitly states she 'wasn't truly seeing the bustling street below, but rather a tapestry of memories unspooling in her mind's eye,' and her stare was 'intensely focused on an inner world,' indicating she was deep in thought.
How did the anthropologist's understanding of the elder's stare evolve?
Read this passage:
The anthropologist noted the village elder's prolonged stare during their conversation, initially interpreting it as a sign of suspicion. However, further observation revealed that in this particular culture, such an unwavering gaze was a mark of respect and deep attention. It signaled that the elder was giving his full consideration to the speaker's words, a non-verbal affirmation of the importance of the dialogue.
How did the anthropologist's understanding of the elder's stare evolve?
The passage states the anthropologist 'initially interpreting it as a sign of suspicion' but 'further observation revealed that in this particular culture, such an unwavering gaze was a mark of respect and deep attention.'
The passage states the anthropologist 'initially interpreting it as a sign of suspicion' but 'further observation revealed that in this particular culture, such an unwavering gaze was a mark of respect and deep attention.'
The intensity of his gaze made her involuntarily ___ at the intricate tapestry, searching for a hidden meaning.
Given the context of 'intensity of his gaze' and searching for a 'hidden meaning,' 'stare' conveys a prolonged, fixed look often associated with deep thought or surprise, fitting the C2 level nuance of the word.
Amidst the hushed reverence of the ancient cathedral, visitors would often ___ at the stained-glass windows, transfixed by the interplay of light and color.
The phrase 'transfixed by the interplay of light and color' suggests a sustained, intense look of wonder or admiration, which 'stare' effectively captures in this C2 context.
He found himself unable to avert his eyes, compelled to ___ at the enigmatic smile of the portrait, as if it held the key to an ancient secret.
The idiom 'unable to avert his eyes' and the idea of being 'compelled' to look at something 'enigmatic' for a prolonged period strongly indicates 'stare' as the most appropriate and nuanced C2 choice.
The sheer audacity of her proposal caused the entire board to ___ in stunned silence, a collective disbelief etched on their faces.
The phrase 'stunned silence' and 'collective disbelief' perfectly align with the definition of 'stare' as looking for a long time due to surprise or shock. This usage reflects a C2 understanding of the word's impact.
In the desolate expanse of the desert, the lone wanderer would often ___ at the shimmering mirage, his mind struggling to discern reality from illusion.
The context of 'desolate expanse' and 'struggling to discern reality from illusion' implies a fixed, prolonged, and perhaps desperate look, making 'stare' the most fitting C2 option.
The philosopher was known to ___ intently at abstract art, seeking to unravel the complex layers of meaning embedded within each brushstroke.
The adverb 'intently' and the purpose of 'seeking to unravel the complex layers of meaning' strongly suggest a prolonged, focused look, which is a key characteristic of 'stare' at a C2 level.
This sentence uses 'fell into deep contemplation' to convey a sustained, intense focus, mirroring the prolonged gaze implied by 'stare'. The 'abyss' adds a layer of profundity suitable for C2.
'Unwavering gaze' directly relates to the sustained nature of a stare, while 'steely resolve' elevates the context to C2 by implying determination and strong will.
'Meticulous scrutiny' captures the intense and detailed observation inherent in a prolonged stare, fitting the C2 level by using more sophisticated vocabulary.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
مثال
It's rude to stare at people you don't know.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات Actions
abcredance
C1منح المصداقية رسميًا أو التحقق من صحة ادعاء أو عملية أو مستند بناءً على أدلة صارمة.
abnasccide
C1يصف شيئًا لديه ميل طبيعي للانفصال أو الانقطاع في مرحلة معينة.
absorb
B2الامتصاص يعني أخذ شيء ما، مثلما يمتص الإسفنج الماء، أو فهم المعلومات.
abstain
C1To voluntarily refrain from an action or practice, especially one that is considered unhealthy or morally questionable. It is also used formally to describe the act of choosing not to cast a vote in an election or deliberation.
abvictly
C1حل موقف أو نزاع معقد بشكل حاسم ومفاجئ من خلال ممارسة قوة أو سلطة ساحقة.
abvitfy
C1"abvitfy" تصف القدرة على التكيف السريع مع التغييرات التقنية، نوع من المرونة.
accelerate
C1To increase the speed or rate of something, or to make a process happen sooner than expected. In technical contexts, it refers to the rate of change of velocity, while in general contexts, it often describes the speeding up of progress or development.
accept
A1الموافقة على استلام شيء، قبول دعوة، أو الإقرار بحقيقة موقف.
achieve
A2الوصول إلى هدف أو إتمام مهمة بنجاح بعد بذل الجهد. يعني إنجاز شيء إيجابي بفضل عملك الجاد.
acquiesce
C1الموافقة على شيء على مضض ودون احتجاج. يتم القبول لعدم وجود خيار آخر.
