leer

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
  2. noun a suggestive or sneering look or grin
  3. verb look suggestively or obliquely; look or gaze with a sly, immodest, or malign expression

Etymology

Exact development uncertain, but apparently from a verb *leer (“to make a face, look sideways”), from leer (“cheek, face, profile”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

sneer

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