Gaze Meaning

UK /ɡeɪz/
US /ɡeɪz/
Word Definition
gaze meaning

Gaze Definition & Usage

noun

A long, steady look, often implying intense attention or focus.

Examples

  • "She caught his gaze from across the room and smiled."
  • "His gaze lingered on the painting for several minutes, lost in its detail."
  • "The child’s gaze shifted from the toy to his mother’s face."
  • "A gaze of admiration crossed her face as she looked at the flowers."
  • "He turned away, avoiding her gaze as he felt embarrassed."
verb

To look steadily and intently at something or someone.

Examples

  • "She gazed out the window, watching the rain pour down."
  • "He gazed lovingly at the newborn baby in his arms."
  • "I often gaze at the stars at night, contemplating life’s mysteries."
  • "The crowd gazed in awe as the magician performed his final trick."
  • "They gazed at the city skyline, impressed by its grandeur."

Cultural Context

The word 'gaze' has roots in the idea of an intense or prolonged look. Historically, the act of gazing was often associated with deep thought, admiration, or intense emotion, especially in art and literature. For example, in literature, characters often gaze at the horizon or a loved one to reflect on their feelings or the future. In modern times, the gaze is also explored in the context of social psychology and gender studies, where the gaze can imply power dynamics, such as the 'male gaze' in film and art.

The Gaze That Changed Everything

Story

The Gaze That Changed Everything

Maya sat alone at the café, her eyes fixed on the street outside. She had always enjoyed watching the world move around her, the bustling crowd, the vibrant colors of life unfolding every second. But today, something was different. Today, her gaze was drawn to the old man sitting at the corner table, reading a book. His presence was calm and serene, in stark contrast to the busy atmosphere around him. Maya couldn’t help but stare, intrigued by the peaceful aura he radiated. As she gazed at him, she felt an overwhelming sense of connection. It wasn’t just a casual look—it was a deep, almost magnetic gaze that seemed to transcend the distance between them. The old man looked up at that exact moment and met her eyes. For a brief moment, time seemed to slow down, and in his gaze, Maya saw something familiar—wisdom, understanding, and a sense of unspoken communication. It was as if he knew exactly what was on her mind. She quickly turned away, embarrassed by the intensity of the moment, but the image of his calm gaze stayed with her. She hadn’t expected to feel such a strong pull from a mere look, but there was something about it that made her reflect on her own life. What was she searching for? What did she truly desire? Later that evening, Maya found herself thinking about the encounter again. The old man’s gaze hadn’t been one of judgment or curiosity; it was simply a look of quiet acknowledgment, as though he understood her in a way no one else could. She realized that sometimes, a simple gaze could speak volumes, and it was in those silent exchanges that the most profound connections were made. From that day on, Maya’s own gaze became more purposeful. She began to see people with new eyes, not just seeing them, but truly understanding them, connecting in a way she had never thought possible before. And it all began with that one gaze.

The Gaze That Changed Everything