look
look after
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you look after someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them healthy, safe, or in good condition.
I love looking after the children...
People don't look after other people's property in the same way as they look after their own.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you look after something, you are responsible for it and deal with it or make sure it is all right, especially because it is your job to do so.
...the farm manager who looks after the day-to-day organization...
We'll help you look after your finances.look ahead
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you look ahead, you think about what is going to happen in the future and perhaps make plans for the future.
I'm trying to look ahead at what might happen and be ready to handle it.look around
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P
If you look around or look round a building or place, you walk round it and look at the different parts of it. (in BRIT, also use look round)
We went to look round the show homes...
I'm going to look around and see what I can find.look back
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you look back, you think about things that happened in the past.
Looking back, I am staggered how easily it was all arranged.look down on
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
To look down on someone means to consider that person to be inferior or unimportant, usually when this is not true.
I wasn't successful, so they looked down on me.look forward to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P -ing/n
If you look forward to something that is going to happen, you want it to happen because you think you will enjoy it.
He was looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you say that someone is looking forward to something useful or positive, you mean they expect it to happen.
Motor traders are looking forward to a further increase in vehicle sales.look into
[PHRASAL VERB] V P -ing/n
If a person or organization is looking into a possible course of action, a problem, or a situation, they are finding out about it and examining the facts relating to it.
He had once looked into buying his own island off Nova Scotia...
= investigatelook on
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you look on while something happens, you watch it happening without taking part yourself.
About 150 local people looked on in silence as the two coffins were taken into the church.
= watchlook on
or look upon
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n as n, V P n prep/adv, V adv P n
If you look on or look upon someone or something in a particular way, you think of them in that way.
A lot of people looked on him as a healer...
A lot of people look on it like that...
Employers look favourably on applicants who have work experience.
= considerlook out
see look 11look over
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you look something over, you examine it quite quickly in order to get a general idea of what it is like.
They presented their draft to the president, who looked it over, nodded and signed it...
He could have looked over the papers in less than ten minutes.look round
see look aroundlook through
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look through a group of things, you examine each one so that you can find or choose the one that you want.
Peter starts looking through the mail as soon as the door shuts.
= go through
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look through something that has been written or printed, you read it.
He happened to be looking through the medical book `Gray's Anatomy' at the time.look to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look to someone or something for a particular thing that you want, you expect or hope that they will provide it.
The difficulties women encounter with their doctors partly explain why so many of us are looking to alternative therapies.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look to something that will happen in the future, you think about it.
Looking to the future, though, we asked him what the prospects are for a vaccine to prevent infection in the first place.look up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you look up a fact or a piece of information, you find it out by looking in something such as a reference book or a list.
I looked your address up in the personnel file...
Many people have to look up the meaning of this word in the dictionary.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you look someone up, you visit them after not having seen them for a long time.
I'll try to look him up, ask him a few questions...
She looked up some friends of bygone years.
= visit
3 [PHRASAL VERB] usu cont, V P
If a situation is looking up, it is improving. (INFORMAL)
Things could be looking up in the computer industry.
= improvelook up to
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you look up to someone, especially someone older than you, you respect and admire them.
You're a popular girl, Grace, and a lot of the younger ones look up to you.
= admirelook upon
see look on♦♦♦ look1 /l'ʊk/ (look looks looking looked) USING YOUR EYES OR YOUR MIND
Please look at category 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V
If you look in a particular direction, you direct your eyes in that direction, especially so that you can see what is there or see what something is like.
I looked down the hallway to room number nine...
She turned to look at him...
He looked away, apparently enraged...
If you look, you'll see what was a lake.
[N-SING]
Look is also a noun.
Lucille took a last look in the mirror...
Assisi has a couple of churches that are worth a look if you have time.
2 [VERB] V at n
If you look at a book, newspaper, or magazine, you read it fairly quickly or read part of it.
You've just got to look at the last bit of Act Three.
[N-SING] oft N at n
Look is also a noun.
A quick look at Monday's British newspapers shows that there's plenty of interest in foreign news.
3 [VERB] V at n, also V
If someone, especially an expert, looks at something, they examine it, and then deal with it or say how it should be dealt with.
Can you look at my back? I think something's wrong.
[N-SING] usu N at n
Look is also a noun.
The car has not been running very well and a mechanic had to come over to have a look at it.
4 [VERB] V at n adv/prep
If you look at someone in a particular way, you look at them with your expression showing what you are feeling or thinking.
She looked at him earnestly. `You don't mind?'
[N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft adj N, N of n
Look is also a noun.
He gave her a blank look, as if he had no idea who she was...
Sally spun round, a feigned look of surprise on her face.
5 [VERB] V for n, V for n, V prep/adv for n, V prep/adv
If you look for something, for example something that you have lost, you try to find it.
I'm looking for a child. I believe your husband can help me find her...
I had gone to Maine looking for a place to work...
I looked everywhere for ideas...
Have you looked on the piano?
[N-SING]
Look is also a noun.
Go and have another look.
6 [VERB] V for n
If you are looking for something such as the solution to a problem or a new method, you want it and are trying to obtain it or think of it.
The working group will be looking for practical solutions to the problems faced by doctors...
= seek
7 [VERB] V at n, V at n
If you look at a subject, problem, or situation, you think about it or study it, so that you know all about it and can perhaps consider what should be done in relation to it.
Next term we'll be looking at the Second World War period...
He visited Florida a few years ago looking at the potential of the area to stage a big match.
= examine, consider
[N-SING] oft N at n
Look is also a noun.
A close look at the statistics reveals a troubling picture.
8 [VERB] V at n prep/adv, V at n prep/adv
If you look at a person, situation, or subject from a particular point of view, you judge them or consider them from that point of view.
Brian had learned to look at her with new respect...
It depends how you look at it.
9 [CONVENTION]
You say look when you want someone to pay attention to you because you are going to say something important.
Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it...
Now, look, here is how things stand.
10 [VERB] only imper, V at n, V wh
You can use look to draw attention to a particular situation, person, or thing, for example because you find it very surprising, significant, or annoying.
Hey, look at the time! We'll talk about it tonight. All right?...
Look what a mess you've made of your life.
11 [VERB] V prep
If something such as a building or window looks somewhere, it has a view of a particular place.
The castle looks over private parkland...
[PHRASAL VERB] V P prep
Look out means the same as look.
We sit on the terrace, which looks out on the sea.
12 [VERB] V to-inf
If you are looking to do something, you are aiming to do it.
We're not looking to make a fortune.
13 [EXCLAM]
If you say or shout `look out!' to someone, you are warning them that they are in danger.
`Look out!' somebody shouted, as the truck started to roll toward the sea.
14
to look down your nose at someone: see nose♦♦♦ look2 /l'ʊk/ (look looks looking looked) APPEARANCE
1 [V-LINK] V adj, V n, V like n, V like/as if, V to-inf
You use look when describing the appearance of a person or thing or the impression that they give.
Sheila was looking miserable...
He does not look the most reliable of animals...
They look like stars to the naked eye...
He looked as if he was going to smile...
Everybody in the club looked to be fourteen years old.
● -looking [COMB in ADJ]
She was a very peculiar-looking woman.
2 [N-SING] with supp
If someone or something has a particular look, they have a particular appearance or expression.
She had the look of someone deserted and betrayed...
When he came to decorate the kitchen, Kenneth opted for a friendly rustic look...
3 [N-PLURAL]
When you refer to someone's looks, you are referring to how beautiful or ugly they are, especially how beautiful they are.
I never chose people just because of their looks.
...a young woman with wholesome good looks.
4 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj, it V like/as if, V like -ing/n, V to-inf
You use look when indicating what you think will happen in the future or how a situation seems to you.
He had lots of time to think about the future, and it didn't look good...
Britain looks set to send a major force of over 100 tanks and supporting equipment...
So far it looks like Warner Brothers' gamble is paying off...
The Europeans had hoped to win, and, indeed, had looked like winning...
The team had stormed into a two-goal lead and looked to be cruising to a third round place.
5 [PHRASE]
You use expressions such as by the look of him and by the looks of it when you want to indicate that you are giving an opinion based on the appearance of someone or something.
He was not a well man by the look of him...
By the look of things, Mr Stone and company will stay busy.
6 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you don't like the look of something or someone, you feel that they may be dangerous or cause problems.
I don't like the look of those clouds.
7 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you ask what someone or something looks like, you are asking for a description of them.
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you look after someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them healthy, safe, or in good condition.
I love looking after the children...
People don't look after other people's property in the same way as they look after their own.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you look after something, you are responsible for it and deal with it or make sure it is all right, especially because it is your job to do so.
...the farm manager who looks after the day-to-day organization...
We'll help you look after your finances.look ahead
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you look ahead, you think about what is going to happen in the future and perhaps make plans for the future.
I'm trying to look ahead at what might happen and be ready to handle it.look around
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P
If you look around or look round a building or place, you walk round it and look at the different parts of it. (in BRIT, also use look round)
We went to look round the show homes...
I'm going to look around and see what I can find.look back
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you look back, you think about things that happened in the past.
Looking back, I am staggered how easily it was all arranged.look down on
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
To look down on someone means to consider that person to be inferior or unimportant, usually when this is not true.
I wasn't successful, so they looked down on me.look forward to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P -ing/n
If you look forward to something that is going to happen, you want it to happen because you think you will enjoy it.
He was looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you say that someone is looking forward to something useful or positive, you mean they expect it to happen.
Motor traders are looking forward to a further increase in vehicle sales.look into
[PHRASAL VERB] V P -ing/n
If a person or organization is looking into a possible course of action, a problem, or a situation, they are finding out about it and examining the facts relating to it.
He had once looked into buying his own island off Nova Scotia...
= investigatelook on
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you look on while something happens, you watch it happening without taking part yourself.
About 150 local people looked on in silence as the two coffins were taken into the church.
= watchlook on
or look upon
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n as n, V P n prep/adv, V adv P n
If you look on or look upon someone or something in a particular way, you think of them in that way.
A lot of people looked on him as a healer...
A lot of people look on it like that...
Employers look favourably on applicants who have work experience.
= considerlook out
see look 11look over
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you look something over, you examine it quite quickly in order to get a general idea of what it is like.
They presented their draft to the president, who looked it over, nodded and signed it...
He could have looked over the papers in less than ten minutes.look round
see look aroundlook through
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look through a group of things, you examine each one so that you can find or choose the one that you want.
Peter starts looking through the mail as soon as the door shuts.
= go through
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look through something that has been written or printed, you read it.
He happened to be looking through the medical book `Gray's Anatomy' at the time.look to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look to someone or something for a particular thing that you want, you expect or hope that they will provide it.
The difficulties women encounter with their doctors partly explain why so many of us are looking to alternative therapies.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you look to something that will happen in the future, you think about it.
Looking to the future, though, we asked him what the prospects are for a vaccine to prevent infection in the first place.look up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you look up a fact or a piece of information, you find it out by looking in something such as a reference book or a list.
I looked your address up in the personnel file...
Many people have to look up the meaning of this word in the dictionary.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you look someone up, you visit them after not having seen them for a long time.
I'll try to look him up, ask him a few questions...
She looked up some friends of bygone years.
= visit
3 [PHRASAL VERB] usu cont, V P
If a situation is looking up, it is improving. (INFORMAL)
Things could be looking up in the computer industry.
= improvelook up to
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you look up to someone, especially someone older than you, you respect and admire them.
You're a popular girl, Grace, and a lot of the younger ones look up to you.
= admirelook upon
see look on♦♦♦ look1 /l'ʊk/ (look looks looking looked) USING YOUR EYES OR YOUR MIND
Please look at category 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V
If you look in a particular direction, you direct your eyes in that direction, especially so that you can see what is there or see what something is like.
I looked down the hallway to room number nine...
She turned to look at him...
He looked away, apparently enraged...
If you look, you'll see what was a lake.
[N-SING]
Look is also a noun.
Lucille took a last look in the mirror...
Assisi has a couple of churches that are worth a look if you have time.
2 [VERB] V at n
If you look at a book, newspaper, or magazine, you read it fairly quickly or read part of it.
You've just got to look at the last bit of Act Three.
[N-SING] oft N at n
Look is also a noun.
A quick look at Monday's British newspapers shows that there's plenty of interest in foreign news.
3 [VERB] V at n, also V
If someone, especially an expert, looks at something, they examine it, and then deal with it or say how it should be dealt with.
Can you look at my back? I think something's wrong.
[N-SING] usu N at n
Look is also a noun.
The car has not been running very well and a mechanic had to come over to have a look at it.
4 [VERB] V at n adv/prep
If you look at someone in a particular way, you look at them with your expression showing what you are feeling or thinking.
She looked at him earnestly. `You don't mind?'
[N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft adj N, N of n
Look is also a noun.
He gave her a blank look, as if he had no idea who she was...
Sally spun round, a feigned look of surprise on her face.
5 [VERB] V for n, V for n, V prep/adv for n, V prep/adv
If you look for something, for example something that you have lost, you try to find it.
I'm looking for a child. I believe your husband can help me find her...
I had gone to Maine looking for a place to work...
I looked everywhere for ideas...
Have you looked on the piano?
[N-SING]
Look is also a noun.
Go and have another look.
6 [VERB] V for n
If you are looking for something such as the solution to a problem or a new method, you want it and are trying to obtain it or think of it.
The working group will be looking for practical solutions to the problems faced by doctors...
= seek
7 [VERB] V at n, V at n
If you look at a subject, problem, or situation, you think about it or study it, so that you know all about it and can perhaps consider what should be done in relation to it.
Next term we'll be looking at the Second World War period...
He visited Florida a few years ago looking at the potential of the area to stage a big match.
= examine, consider
[N-SING] oft N at n
Look is also a noun.
A close look at the statistics reveals a troubling picture.
8 [VERB] V at n prep/adv, V at n prep/adv
If you look at a person, situation, or subject from a particular point of view, you judge them or consider them from that point of view.
Brian had learned to look at her with new respect...
It depends how you look at it.
9 [CONVENTION]
You say look when you want someone to pay attention to you because you are going to say something important.
Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it...
Now, look, here is how things stand.
10 [VERB] only imper, V at n, V wh
You can use look to draw attention to a particular situation, person, or thing, for example because you find it very surprising, significant, or annoying.
Hey, look at the time! We'll talk about it tonight. All right?...
Look what a mess you've made of your life.
11 [VERB] V prep
If something such as a building or window looks somewhere, it has a view of a particular place.
The castle looks over private parkland...
[PHRASAL VERB] V P prep
Look out means the same as look.
We sit on the terrace, which looks out on the sea.
12 [VERB] V to-inf
If you are looking to do something, you are aiming to do it.
We're not looking to make a fortune.
13 [EXCLAM]
If you say or shout `look out!' to someone, you are warning them that they are in danger.
`Look out!' somebody shouted, as the truck started to roll toward the sea.
14
to look down your nose at someone: see nose♦♦♦ look2 /l'ʊk/ (look looks looking looked) APPEARANCE
1 [V-LINK] V adj, V n, V like n, V like/as if, V to-inf
You use look when describing the appearance of a person or thing or the impression that they give.
Sheila was looking miserable...
He does not look the most reliable of animals...
They look like stars to the naked eye...
He looked as if he was going to smile...
Everybody in the club looked to be fourteen years old.
● -looking [COMB in ADJ]
She was a very peculiar-looking woman.
2 [N-SING] with supp
If someone or something has a particular look, they have a particular appearance or expression.
She had the look of someone deserted and betrayed...
When he came to decorate the kitchen, Kenneth opted for a friendly rustic look...
3 [N-PLURAL]
When you refer to someone's looks, you are referring to how beautiful or ugly they are, especially how beautiful they are.
I never chose people just because of their looks.
...a young woman with wholesome good looks.
4 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj, it V like/as if, V like -ing/n, V to-inf
You use look when indicating what you think will happen in the future or how a situation seems to you.
He had lots of time to think about the future, and it didn't look good...
Britain looks set to send a major force of over 100 tanks and supporting equipment...
So far it looks like Warner Brothers' gamble is paying off...
The Europeans had hoped to win, and, indeed, had looked like winning...
The team had stormed into a two-goal lead and looked to be cruising to a third round place.
5 [PHRASE]
You use expressions such as by the look of him and by the looks of it when you want to indicate that you are giving an opinion based on the appearance of someone or something.
He was not a well man by the look of him...
By the look of things, Mr Stone and company will stay busy.
6 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you don't like the look of something or someone, you feel that they may be dangerous or cause problems.
I don't like the look of those clouds.
7 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you ask what someone or something looks like, you are asking for a description of them.