leer
C1Literary, Descriptive, Somewhat Formal
Definition
Meaning
To look at someone in an unpleasant, knowing, or suggestive way, typically with lust, malice, or sly amusement.
Can also refer to an oblique or sidelong glance, not necessarily malevolent but often secretive or knowing. In its older or technical usage, it can mean an empty or desolate look, and as a noun/adjective it refers to a look of this nature.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word almost universally carries a negative connotation. It implies an invasion of privacy or an unwelcome projection of emotion (lust, mockery, contempt).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in literary/descriptive British prose, but used equivalently in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + leer + at + [Object (person)][Subject] + give + [Indirect Object] + a leerVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A leer and a sneer”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used in professional business contexts due to its inappropriate connotations.
Academic
Used in literary analysis, sociology, or psychology to describe character actions or non-verbal communication.
Everyday
Used to describe creepy or unwelcome behaviour, often in narrative or complaint. e.g., 'The man at the bar kept leering at me.'
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He greeted her with a sly leer that made her skin crawl.
- The villain's face was fixed in a permanent leer.
verb
British English
- The dodgy character in the pub would always leer at newcomers.
- He leered unpleasantly before making his crude remark.
American English
- The vendor leered at us as we passed his stall.
- She felt him leer at her from across the crowded subway car.
adverb
British English
- (Very rare, typically 'leeringly') He smiled leeringly.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- (Archaic/Literary) He shot her a leering glance.
- The statue had a leering gargoyle face.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The man in the film leered at the woman, and she walked away quickly.
- I don't like his leer; it's very creepy.
- Throughout the meeting, the rival executive leered at our proposals with obvious disdain.
- His friendly smile often slipped into something more like a leer.
- The portrait captured not just the duke's likeness but his essential nature—the haughty brow and the faint, leering cruelty about the mouth.
- She deflected his leering advances with a glacially polite remark that left him speechless.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LEER' as a 'Lustful EERie staRE' – it combines lust, eeriness, and staring.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISION IS APPRAISAL (Negative) / THE EYES ARE PROJECTORS (of negative intent).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do NOT confuse with "лира" (lyre, a musical instrument).
- Do NOT translate as "смотреть" (to look) neutrally. It is specifically "смотреть похотливо/насмешливо/ехидно".
- Beware of false friend "леер" (lanyard, guardrail in nautical context).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'look' or 'glance'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'leer to someone' (should be 'leer AT someone').
- Misspelling as 'lear' or 'leir'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'leer' be MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often lustful, a leer can also convey malice, mockery, triumph, or sly amusement. The key is it's an unpleasant, knowing look.
Yes, very commonly. e.g., 'He gave me a leering smile' (adj) vs. 'He gave me a leer' (noun).
Using it as a neutral synonym for 'look' or 'glance'. It has a strong and specific negative connotation.
Not really. The action itself is negative. Neutral alternatives would be 'glance', 'look', 'gaze', or 'peer', depending on context.