askance

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective (used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy; - Elizabeth Bowen
  2. adverb with suspicion or disapproval
  3. adverb with a side or oblique glance

Etymology

Unknown. Possibly from Middle English askances (“as if”), or from Old French a escone (“hidden”) or Italian a scancio (“obliquely”). Compare asquint, Middle English askoyn (“at a slant, askance”), Dutch schuin, schuins (“sideways”), schuiven (“to shove”), schuinte (“slope”).

Synonyms

askant, asquint, squint, squint-eyed, squinty, sidelong

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