glare
B2Neutral to formal (when meaning 'scrutiny'); informal (when describing a look).
Definition
Meaning
To stare angrily or fiercely; a strong, harsh, dazzling light.
An oppressive public attention or scrutiny; a harsh, overwhelming display.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word combines visual intensity with emotional force. The 'look' meaning implies hostility, disapproval, or challenge. The 'light' meaning implies discomfort, harshness, or a lack of subtlety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. 'Glare ice' (a thin, transparent layer of ice) is more common in North American weather reporting.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
glare at someone/somethingglare (verb, intransitive)glare of (the sun/lights/publicity)be caught in the glare ofVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “glare of publicity”
- “in the full glare of public scrutiny”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The company's finances were examined in the glare of a public inquiry."
Academic
"The study was conducted under the glare of intense peer review."
Everyday
"She glared at him for taking the last biscuit." "The glare from the screen is giving me a headache."
Technical
"The anti-glare coating on the lens reduces scattered light."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The teacher glared at the chattering students until the room fell silent.
- He glared daggers at the referee after the controversial decision.
American English
- She glared at the telemarketer before hanging up.
- The coach glared from the sidelines, his displeasure obvious.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The related adverb is 'glaringly', as in 'glaringly obvious').
American English
- N/A (The related adverb is 'glaringly', as in 'glaringly absent').
adjective
British English
- N/A (The related adjective is 'glaring', as in 'a glaring error').
American English
- N/A (The related adjective is 'glaring', as in 'glaring headlights').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sun's glare on the water was very bright.
- Why are you glaring at me?
- He glared at his phone when he saw the bad news.
- I need sunglasses to reduce the glare when I drive.
- Celebrities often live their lives in the relentless glare of the media.
- The two rivals glared at each other across the negotiating table.
- The report's flaws were glaringly apparent to any expert reader.
- She fixed him with a glacial glare that silenced his protest immediately.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GLARE = GLAss + stARE. Imagine someone staring so hard through glass their look feels like a harsh light.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS HEAT/FIRE ("glared at me"), VISIBILITY IS LIGHT ("glare of publicity").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'глядеть' (to look). 'Glare' is specifically hostile/angry or painfully bright.
- The noun 'glare' (свет) is not a synonym for 'light' in general, only harsh, uncomfortable light.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'glare' to mean a normal look. *'He glared at the beautiful painting' (incorrect unless he hated it).
- Confusing 'glare' (harsh light) with 'glow' (soft, warm light).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'glare' in the sentence: 'She gave him a glare that could freeze water.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Glare' is an angry or hostile stare. 'Stare' is a long, fixed look, often rude or curious. 'Gaze' is a long, steady look, usually expressing admiration, wonder, or deep thought.
Almost never for the 'look' meaning, which is inherently negative. The 'light' meaning is neutral but describes an intensity that is typically uncomfortable (e.g., 'the glare of the sun').
Primarily, yes, for the 'look' meaning. The 'light' meaning applies to any source of harsh light (sun, lamp, screen, etc.).
The main adjective is 'glaring' (e.g., a glaring mistake, glaring lights). There is no direct adjective 'glare'.