Phrasal verb
look down
Meanings
to direct your eyes toward something that is lower than you
to think someone or something is inferior and treat them with less respect
Definition
To look down means to direct your eyes toward something below you.
To look down is to move your eyes or head so you can see something beneath you. People also use it to mean thinking someone or something is not as good as others. The meaning is usually clear from the context, especially whether the focus is physical direction or attitude.
Examples
- I had to look down to avoid stepping on the sleeping cat.
- You can look down from the balcony and see the whole stage.
- He tends to look down on people who ask a lot of questions.
- They look down on our neighborhood, but we love living here.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the meanings and say "look down" (eyes) when they mean "look down on" (disrespect).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.