stare
To look at someone or something for a long time with your eyes wide open. This often happens because you are surprised, shocked, or thinking very hard about something.
Examples
3 of 5It is not polite to stare at people you do not know.
It is not polite to look fixedly at people you do not know.
The audience members were told not to stare directly at the bright lights.
The audience members were told not to look fixedly at the bright lights.
Why are you staring at my shoes? Are they dirty?
Why are you looking so long at my shoes? Are they dirty?
Word Family
Memory Tip
The word 'stare' contains the word 'star'. Imagine you are looking at a bright star in the sky for a long time without moving your eyes.
Quick Quiz
The little boy began to ____ at the colorful toys in the window.
Correct!
The correct answer is: stare
Examples
It is not polite to stare at people you do not know.
everydayIt is not polite to look fixedly at people you do not know.
The audience members were told not to stare directly at the bright lights.
formalThe audience members were told not to look fixedly at the bright lights.
Why are you staring at my shoes? Are they dirty?
informalWhy are you looking so long at my shoes? Are they dirty?
In this psychology study, subjects were asked to stare at a fixed point.
academicIn this psychology study, subjects were asked to look fixedly at a fixed point.
Do not just stare at the problem; try to find a solution.
businessDo not just look fixedly at the problem; try to find a solution.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
stare someone in the face
to be very obvious or easy to see
stare down
to look at someone until they feel uncomfortable and look away
stare blankly
to look at someone without showing any emotion
Often Confused With
A glance is a very quick, short look, whereas a stare is a long, fixed look.
A gaze is usually a steady look of admiration or thought, while a stare can be rude or surprised.
Usage Notes
The verb 'stare' is almost always followed by the preposition 'at'. It is generally considered impolite to stare at people in social situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'stare someone' instead of 'stare at someone'. Always remember to include the preposition 'at'.
Memory Tip
The word 'stare' contains the word 'star'. Imagine you are looking at a bright star in the sky for a long time without moving your eyes.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'starian', which means to look fixedly or to be stiff.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, especially in the US and UK, staring at strangers is considered rude or aggressive, though eye contact norms vary globally.
Quick Quiz
The little boy began to ____ at the colorful toys in the window.
Correct!
The correct answer is: stare
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