eyeful
LowInformal
Definition
Meaning
A full or satisfying amount for the eyes to see; something visually striking or remarkable.
Primarily a noun meaning 1) a long, steady, or appreciative look. 2) a visually striking person, especially an attractive woman (informal, sometimes objectifying). 3) a startling or surprising sight.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While its literal meaning ('as much as the eye can see at one time') is neutral, its use to describe a person is informal and can be considered dated or sexist. It often implies a deliberate act of looking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The word is used in both varieties with the same core meanings.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used humorously or ironically in modern British English. The 'attractive person' sense feels somewhat old-fashioned in both.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] got/had an eyeful of [Object][Object] was quite an eyefulGive [Indirect Object] an eyeful of [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get an eyeful (of something/someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used informally, often humorously, to comment on something visually surprising or notable. 'We got an eyeful when the wardrobe door fell open.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Grand Canyon is a real eyeful.
- He got an eyeful of the beautiful sunset.
- When the curtain opened, the audience got an eyeful of the spectacular stage set.
- The new sculpture in the square is quite an eyeful.
- Tourists stopping in the middle of the pavement to gawk were treated to an unexpected eyeful of political protestors.
- The documentary didn't shy away from giving viewers an eyeful of the harsh realities of the conflict.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your EYE being FULL of something interesting you've seen.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE EYES ARE CONTAINERS (filled with visual input).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like 'глазополный' or 'полноглазый'. The concept is idiomatic.
- Do not confuse with 'eye-catching' (привлекающий внимание). 'Eyeful' is about the experience of the viewer, not the property of the object.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'an eyeful view'). It is a noun.
- Overusing the term for people, which can sound crude.
- Misspelling as 'eyefull'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural use of 'eyeful'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, especially when referring to a beautiful view. When referring to a person, it is informal and focuses on physical appearance, so it can be perceived as objectifying rather than a polite compliment.
Yes, it can be used ironically or humorously for something shocking or unpleasant. 'I got an eyeful of the mess in the kitchen.'
No, it has low frequency in modern English. It's an informal, somewhat idiomatic expression.
It is exclusively a noun. There is no verb 'to eyeful' or adjective 'eyeful'.