looks - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
looks Word Meanings
- to direct one's gaze towards something
- to appear or seem
- to watch or observe.
looks Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
looks Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/lʊk/
US
/lʊk/
looks Word Etymology
look = look; Old English lōcian, related to the act of directing one's gaze. Imagine a person gazing toward a horizon, searching for something special.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I move my eyes, turning my head a touch toward the corner of the room. I push through the glare and pull back a little to settle on a detail that feels alive. The effort is a small control, a quiet adjustment that keeps the scene from slipping away. In that moment, choosing to look becomes a hinge for what I notice next.
Real Context
Look has several core meanings in English. As a verb, it means to direct your gaze toward something, to seem or appear in a certain way, or to watch or observe with attention. As a noun, it can refer to an act of looking, the appearance of someone or something, or the overall aspect of a person or object. Common phrasal patterns include look at, look for, look like, look after, and look out. Learners often mix up look with see, confuse look with appear, or forget that look can take a noun complement in informal usage.
Usage Reminders
- Look at to focus attention on something
- Look for to search for something or someone
- Look like to describe appearance, not certainty
- Look after means to take care of someone or something
- Look out can mean to be careful or to watch for danger
Common Misconceptions
- Look and see are interchangeable in all contexts
- Look always means to physically see something
- Look means to appear, regardless of evidence
- Look is only used for people, not objects
- Look can replace want or need in phrases
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, look spans gaze, appearance, and observation; learners must separate look at (focus), look for (search), look like (appearance), and look after/look out (careful/warning). The nuance of appearance vs certainty is often tricky.
Learning Tips
- Memorize common collocations: look at, look for, look like, look after, look out
- Practice distinguishing appearance (look like) from certainty (seem)
- Pair look with verbs of perception (see, watch) to contrast
- Use look in context with nouns (look of, looks) to vary style
- Note phrasal verb changes when tenses shift
- Listen for subtle differences in dialogue to hear native usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'looks' mean?
A.A way of appearing to the senses.
B.A type of fabric.
C.A measurement of speed.
D.A method of communication.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'looks' correctly?
A.She looks happy with her new dress.
B.The book looks on the table.
C.He feels looks tired after the run.
D.It looks a bit cloudy today.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'looks'?
A.appearance
B.disguise
C.confusion
D.excitement
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'looks'?
A.hides
B.reveals
C.shines
D.shows
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for the word 'looks'?
A.The presentation was impressive and well-organized.
B.She often receives compliments on her outfit.
C.Many people struggle to find themselves in stressful situations.
D.The weather forecast predicts sunny skies tomorrow.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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