scowl
C1Formal & Informal (more common in descriptive/written contexts)
Definition
Meaning
to contract the brows in a look of anger, displeasure, or deep thought; a facial expression showing this
to look at someone or something with a scowling expression; metaphorically, for something (e.g., weather, a building) to have a dark, threatening, or forbidding appearance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a silent, non-verbal expression of negative emotion. Implies intensity and duration longer than a fleeting frown. Can be used both transitively and intransitively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slight preference for 'glower' as a near-synonym in UK English.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties. Suggests hostility, disapproval, or sullenness.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more literary/descriptive in modern everyday use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
scowl (intransitive)scowl at somebody/something (transitive prepositional)scowl one's disapproval (cognate object)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a face like thunder (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The CEO scowled at the disappointing quarterly figures.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis or psychological descriptions. 'The character's constant scowl symbolises his misanthropy.'
Everyday
Common for describing someone's angry or disapproving look. 'Why are you scowling? What's wrong?'
Technical
Not used in technical senses.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He scowled at the referee's decision.
- The sky scowled, threatening rain.
American English
- She scowled when she saw the parking ticket.
- The old house seemed to scowl down at the street.
adverb
British English
- He looked scowlingly at the proposal.
- She sat scowlingly in the corner.
American English
- 'No,' he said scowlingly.
- The child stared scowlingly at the broccoli.
adjective
British English
- He had a scowling countenance.
- She gave a scowling glance over her shoulder.
American English
- His scowling face was enough to silence the room.
- The scowling guard denied them entry.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher scowled at the noisy students.
- He has a scowl on his face.
- She scowled in disgust at the mess in the kitchen.
- His habitual scowl made him seem unapproachable.
- The critic scowled his way through the entire performance, his disapproval palpable.
- Beneath his permanent scowl lay a surprising sense of humour.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a growling OWL – an owl with a fierce, disapproving face is SCOWL-ing.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/DISAPPROVAL IS A CLOUDED/BROKEN FACE. DARKNESS IS A NEGATIVE EMOTION (e.g., a dark scowl).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'хмуриться' in a neutral/pensive sense. 'Scowl' is explicitly negative/angry, closer to 'смотреть угрюмо/сердито'.
- Avoid confusing with 'frown', which can be milder or indicate thought.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for a sad expression (use 'look sad' or 'frown' instead).
- Using the noun form as a verb incorrectly: 'He made a scowl' (okay) vs. 'He scowled' (better).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'scowl' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'frown' is a broader term for knitting the brows, which can indicate concentration, confusion, or mild displeasure. A 'scowl' is specifically an angry, hostile, or severely displeased frown, often with the mouth turned down. It is more intense and negative.
Yes, in a literary or metaphorical sense. You can say 'the scowling sky' or 'the mountains scowled down at the valley' to describe a dark, threatening, or forbidding appearance.
It is common in descriptive language, especially in writing and storytelling. In casual spoken English, people might more often say 'he gave me a dirty look' or 'she looked really angry' instead of 'she scowled', but 'scowl' is perfectly natural and understood.
No, the pronunciation of 'scowl' is effectively identical in both standard British and American English: /skaʊl/.