phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

look at

to direct eyes toward

What it means

To direct your eyes toward someone or something in order to see them. It can also mean to examine, consider, or assess something carefully.

Words like “look at” are exactly the kind of vocabulary our English vocabulary size test measures — find out how many English words you know.

Examples

  • Please look at the whiteboard while I explain the new grammar rule.
  • She looked at the painting for a long time without saying anything.
  • The doctor wants to look at your test results before giving advice.
  • He looked at me as if I had said something completely ridiculous.

Where it comes from

Inseparable phrasal verb. Note the difference between 'look at' (direct gaze) and 'see' (perceive with eyes) — a common point of confusion for learners.

Related phrasal verbs

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