askance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
askance Word Meanings
- with suspicion or disapproval
- sideways or obliquely
- in a way that suggests doubt or disdain
askance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
askance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈskæns/
US
/əˈskæns/
askance Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'ask' (to ask) + 'ance' (adverbial suffix); Historical origin: from the Middle English 'ascan' (to look askance), derived from Old French 'esquanser'; Memory image: Imagine peeking sideways over a book, raising an eyebrow in doubt.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Askance means looking at something with suspicion or disapproval, often implying that you question the motives or truth of what you are seeing. It can describe a person's glance, a stance, or an attitude that treats information as potentially untrustworthy. You can use it to talk about how someone eyes a proposal, a claim, or a person, typically by glancing sideways or with a raised eyebrow. While less common in everyday conversation, it appears in writing to convey a precise mood: wary, skeptical, or disdainful without explicit criticism. The sense of 'ask' plus 'ance' evokes a habitual stance of cautious scrutiny rather than a direct accusation.
Usage Reminders
- Avoid overusing; pair with look/glance/stare to describe mood
- Use with sideways or raised-eyebrow imagery for vivid effect
- Keep tone formal or literary when selecting this word
- Differentiate from skeptical or suspicious in everyday speech by noting context
- Place before a verb or after a preposition in literary sentences
Common Misconceptions
- It means simply 'to look sideways' without any attitude.
- It can be used interchangeably with 'suspicious' in every context.
- It is a modern, everyday colloquial term.
- It always implies moral disapproval.
- It refers to physical sideways movement only.
Thinking Differences
In English, askance marks a subtle, literary mood of doubt and disapproval. Learners often overgeneralize it as just 'looking sideways,' or try to replace it with simpler words like 'suspicious' in every context.
Learning Tips
- Memorize with collocations: askance look, glance, stance
- Practice in writing to convey mood
- Compare with synonyms like sceptical, wary
- Note placement: before verbs or after prepositions in sentences
- Use in literary or descriptive contexts
- Read passages where characters look askance to perceive attitudes
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'askance' mean?
A.In a direct manner
B.In a friendly way
C.With suspicion or disapproval
D.Without consideration
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'askance' correctly?
A.He smiled askance at the puppy playing in the yard.
B.She looked at him askance when he proposed such a strange idea.
C.The teacher was askance to see the students helping each other.
D.The artist painted askance in broad daylight.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'askance'?
A.Skeptically
B.Admiringly
C.Joyfully
D.Indifferently
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'askance'?
A.Cautiously
B.Suspiciously
C.Appreciatively
D.Indifferently
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might view a situation askance?
A.Everyone at the party was enthusiastic about the games.
B.When discussing a new idea at work, some team members might appear doubtful.
C.He immediately trusted the information without verifying it first.
D.The customer was completely satisfied with the service received.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App