Cool MateGaze vs Stare
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Gaze
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Stare
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most common: Stare
| Gaze | Stare | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡeɪz/","/ˈɡeɪzɪz/","/ɡeɪzd/","/ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡeɪz/","/ˈɡeɪzɪz/","/ɡeɪzd/","/ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/steə(r)/","/steəz/","/steəd/","/ˈsteərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ster/","/sterz/","/sterd/","/ˈsterɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To look at something for a long time. | To look at something without blinking or moving, usually for a long time. |
| Example | She gazed at him in amazement. | She couldn't help but stare at the beautiful painting on the wall. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | intently, steadily, absently, at, in, into | fixedly, hard, intently, seem to, continue to, turn to, at, across, around, sit staring, stand staring, sit and stare |
| Antonyms | avert, ignore, dismiss | avert, glance, look away |
| 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. | Confused with 'gaze' – 'gaze' is often softer and more romantic., Using 'stare' when 'look' is more appropriate for casual contexts., Mixing up with 'glare', which implies anger or disapproval. |
| Usage notes | Used in contexts where someone looks intently or dreamily. Not typically used in casual conversations unless describing art or beauty. | Use 'stare' when someone is looking at something or someone with intensity or surprise. It's neutral but can be perceived as rude if done for too long. |
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Frequently asked questions: Gaze vs Stare
What's the difference between Gaze and Stare?
Gaze: To look at something for a long time. Stare: To look at something without blinking or moving, usually for a long time.
Which is more common: Gaze and Stare?
Stare is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Gaze and Stare?
Gaze is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Gaze and Stare the same CEFR level?
Gaze: C1, Stare: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Gaze and Stare?
Gaze: verb, Stare: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Gaze: She gazed at him in amazement. Stare: She couldn't help but stare at the beautiful painting on the wall.
Can I use Gaze and Stare interchangeably?
Not always. Gaze and Stare 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.