look
Please look at the board.
Direct your eyes toward the board.
to direct one's gaze toward something
She looked out the window.
She directed her eyes toward the outside.
Requires a preposition (at, at, for, into) to specify direction or object.
to appear or seem
You look tired today.
You appear to be tired.
Followed by an adjective or noun phrase.
to have a particular appearance
The cake looks delicious.
The cake has a delicious appearance.
Describes the visual impression of a subject.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Look vs. See
Use 'look' for the action of trying to see (voluntary). Use 'see' for the ability to perceive (involuntary). Example: 'I looked at the bird, but I didn't see it clearly.'
Gold Rule
Preposition Usage
Always use 'look at' when specifying an object. Do not say 'I look the picture'; say 'I look at the picture.'
Word Origin
From Old English lōcian, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch loken and German locken.
Usage Notes
Unlike 'see', 'look' implies a voluntary action of directing attention. Use 'look at' for specific objects and 'look for' when searching.