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Askance for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: ə'skæns

What does Askance really mean?

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Askance:

Hey there! So, you're wondering what "askance" means, right? Well, let's dive in and explore this word together!

"Askance" is an adverb that describes the way someone looks or gazes at something or someone. It has two main meanings, and we'll talk about both of them, one at a time.

First, when someone looks at something askance, it means they are doing so with suspicion, skepticism, or a hint of doubt. It's like when you hear a strange noise in your house at night, and you give it a sideways glance, unsure of what it could be. You're not fully trusting or believing in what you're seeing or experiencing. Instead, you're examining it from a skeptical angle, trying to understand it better.

Let me give you an example: imagine you're in a magic show, and the magician claims they can make a rabbit disappear. You might look at the magician and their tricks askance, wondering if it's all just smoke and mirrors. You're not immediately accepting what they say; instead, you're examining their actions with skepticism.

Now, let's move on to the second meaning of "askance." When someone looks at something askance, it can also mean they are looking at it from the side, with a sidelong glance. It's like when you're trying to slyly look at your friend's test answers during an exam without the teacher noticing. You're not looking straight ahead; instead, you're giving a quick look from the corner of your eye.

To explain this meaning further, picture yourself walking down a busy street with tall buildings on both sides. Suddenly, you notice a street performer playing the violin. However, you can't stop and watch directly because you're in a hurry. So, you look at the performer askance, sneaking a quick glance sideways while still moving forward.

So, there you have it! "Askance" is a word that describes the doubtful or skeptical way someone looks at something, and it can also describe looking at something from the side with a sidelong glance. Remember, it's all about the way we observe things and the attitudes and suspicions we bring to our observations.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the word "askance" a bit better! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask. Keep on learning and exploring the world of words!

Revised and Fact checked by Elizabeth Martin on 2023-10-28 03:14:48

Askance In a sentece

Learn how to use Askance inside a sentece

  • The dog looked askance at the new toy, unsure if it was a threat or a treat.
  • The baby watched askance as the cat walked by, not sure if she should be afraid or curious.
  • The teacher glanced askance at the student who was talking during the lesson, silently warning them to be quiet.
  • The old man raised his eyebrows and looked askance at the teenagers playing loud music, disapproving of their behavior.
  • The detective narrowed his eyes and looked askance at the suspect, suspecting they were hiding something.

Askance Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Askance Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.