glazed look

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   A blank, unfocused expression in the eyes, showing boredom, tiredness, shock or lack of understanding.

   Grammar: Usually singular with an or the: a glazed look, the glazed look on his face.

   Patterns

   • a glazed look in someone's eyes
   • with a glazed look

   By the third hour of the lecture, half the class had a glazed look.

   She gave me a glazed look when I mentioned taxes.

   The survivor stared out with a glazed look, unable to speak.

Word forms

Common combinations

have a glazed look

He had a glazed look after the long night shift.

give someone a glazed look

The toddler gave me a glazed look before falling asleep.

a glazed look in the eyes

There was a glazed look in his eyes after the news.

with a glazed look

She stared at the screen with a glazed look.

a glazed look comes over

A glazed look comes over my brother whenever we discuss spreadsheets.

Synonyms and how they differ

blank stare

Blank stare stresses showing nothing, while glazed look often suggests the eyes seem shiny or dull from tiredness or boredom.

vacant look

Vacant look suggests an empty mind, and is slightly more formal.

dazed expression

Dazed expression is linked more to shock or confusion after something sudden.

far-off look

Far-off look suggests dreaming or thinking about something distant.

Opposites

Word family

glaze over phrasal verb

to become blank and unfocused, of eyes

glazed adjective

with a dull, blank surface or expression

glaze noun

a thin shiny coating

Commonly confused: glazed look or glazed (donut)?

Practice

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