Verbs for Vision

to notice a thing or person with our eyes

Did you see that shooting star just now?

to turn our eyes toward a person or thing that we want to see

He looked at his watch to check the time.

to try to find information in a dictionary, computer, etc.

I couldn't remember her phone number, so I looked it up.

to turn your head to see the surroundings

I looked around the garden, admiring the beautiful flowers.

to look at a thing or person and pay attention to it for some time

He sat on the park bench and watched the sunset.

a place or an area that can be seen, and is usually beautiful

From the airplane window, they had an incredible view of the islands below.

to carefully watch something in order gain knowledge or understanding about the subject

Scientists observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitats.

to see something, often with a feeling of amazement or admiration

I often behold the beauty of the sunset from my balcony.

to briefly look at someone or something

I often glance at the clock during meetings to check the time.

to examine something or someone very carefully and thoroughly

The auditor scans the financial records to detect any discrepancies.

a small usually round mark that has a different color or texture from the surface it is on

There was a dark spot on the carpet where the spilled coffee had dried.

to see something or someone for a short moment of time, often without getting a full or detailed view of it

I have glimpsed the rare comet in the night sky.

to see an act of crime or an accident

She witnesses incidents of shoplifting in her store.

to see or notice something, often from a distance or with some difficulty

She descrys distant ships on the horizon from her beach house.

to see something or someone unexpectedly, often from a distance or after careful observation

I often espy rabbits in the field while walking my dog.

the physical ability of seeing

His sight began to deteriorate with age, requiring him to wear glasses.

to take a quick and often secretive look at something or someone

I often peek through the curtains to see who is at the door.

to look closely or attentively at something, often in an effort to see or understand it better

I often peer into the night sky to spot constellations.

to look quickly and secretly

She peeps at her phone to read messages discreetly.

to look at someone or something without moving the eyes or blinking, usually for a while, and often without showing any expression

I often stare at the night sky, contemplating the stars.

the act of directing your attention and energy toward a particular thing or task

She needed to maintain her focus during the exam to ensure she answered all the questions accurately.

to stare with one's mouth open in amazement or wonder

Right now, I am gaping at the impressive acrobatics of the circus performers.

a steady and sharp stare that conveys anger, disapproval, or hostility

She gave him a glare when he interrupted her.

to stare at someone or something with strong and often inappropriate interest or desire

Despite his efforts to focus on his work, he couldn't help but ogle the attractive new intern across the office.

to stare openly and foolishly

As the magician performed his tricks, the children gawked in amazement.

to look at someone or something without blinking or moving the eyes

She gazed out of the window, lost in thought as the rain fell softly outside.

a body part on our face that we use for seeing

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

the whole structure of the eye

the act of looking with the eyes partly closed, often to see more clearly

to adjust the lens of a camera in a way that makes the person or thing being filmed or photographed appear closer or larger

The nature photographer zoomed in on the butterfly resting on the flower.