Cool MateGaze vs Look at it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Gaze
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Look at it
Top 2,000 (common)
| Gaze | Look at it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡeɪz/","/ˈɡeɪzɪz/","/ɡeɪzd/","/ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡeɪz/","/ˈɡeɪzɪz/","/ɡeɪzd/","/ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lʊk æt ɪt//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt ɪt// |
| Meaning | To look at something for a long time. | To pay attention to something visually. |
| Example | She gazed at him in amazement. | Please, look at it carefully before you decide. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | intently, steadily, absently, at, in, into | look at it closely, look at it again, look at it differently, look at it in detail, look at it right now |
| Antonyms | avert, ignore, dismiss | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'glance' — 'gaze' means a long look, not a quick one., Using 'gaze' without 'at' — it should be 'gaze at the stars', not just 'gaze the stars'., Overusing in casual contexts — more suitable for descriptive or literary situations. | Confuse with 'look for it' which means to search instead of observe., Use 'look at it' instead of 'look at this' when referring to something nearby. |
| Usage notes | Used in contexts where someone looks intently or dreamily. Not typically used in casual conversations unless describing art or beauty. | Use 'look at it' in everyday conversation for noticing or directing someone's attention. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Gaze vs Look at it
What's the difference between Gaze and Look at it?
Gaze: To look at something for a long time. Look at it: To pay attention to something visually.
Can you show an example of each?
Gaze: She gazed at him in amazement. Look at it: Please, look at it carefully before you decide.
Can I use Gaze and Look at it interchangeably?
Not always. Gaze and Look at it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.