squint
B2Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
to look at something with your eyes partly closed in order to see better, or because of a bright light.
A condition where the eyes do not align properly (strabismus); a quick or sidelong glance; a tendency or inclination towards something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, primarily refers to a physical action of the eyes. As a noun, can refer to the medical condition (strabismus) or a glance. Can imply suspicion, effort to see, or disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'squint' for the eye action and condition. The medical condition is also commonly called 'strabismus' or 'cross-eyed' (especially in non-medical contexts) in both. No major lexical differences.
Connotations
In both, can imply suspicion or skepticism ('squint at the proposal'). In informal UK usage, 'squint' can occasionally mean 'a quick look' ('have a squint at this').
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + squint + at + [object] (He squinted at the fine print).[Subject] + squint + to-infinitive (She squinted to see the screen).[Subject] + squint + adverb/prepositional phrase (He squinted suspiciously).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have/take a squint at something (informal BrE: to look at something quickly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal contexts: 'We need to squint at the budget numbers again.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing, except in medical/biological contexts describing eye function.
Everyday
Common: describing reaction to light, difficulty seeing, or a suspicious look.
Technical
Used in ophthalmology and optometry to refer to strabismus.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He had to squint to read the faded sign.
- She squinted at the map in the dim light.
American English
- I squinted in the bright sunlight.
- The detective squinted at the clue, deep in thought.
adverb
British English
- He looked squint at the painting, unsure of its meaning. (informal/rare)
American English
- She watched squint as the figures didn't add up. (informal/rare)
adjective
British English
- He gave a squint look at the proposal.
- The room had a squint window, oddly angled.
American English
- She shot him a squint-eyed glance of disbelief.
- The old house had a squint chimney.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sun is bright, so I squint.
- She squints at the small writing.
- He squinted through the fog, trying to see the path.
- If you squint, you can just see the ship on the horizon.
- The child had a corrective operation for her squint.
- Archaeologists squinted at the ancient text, deciphering its meaning.
- His argument required the audience to squint metaphorically at the underlying assumptions.
- The policy seemed designed with a squint towards favouring large corporations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SQUeezing' your eyes 'INTo' a narrow opening to see.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING ('I couldn't quite see his point' -> 'I squinted at the logic'). EFFORT IS PHYSICAL STRAIN (squinting requires muscular effort).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'косить' (to mow/harvest) or 'косоглазие' (the medical condition only). The action is 'щуриться'.
- Do not confuse with 'glance' (быстрый взгляд) unless using the informal BrE idiom 'have a squint'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'squint' to mean 'look quickly' in all contexts (mainly BrE informal).
- Incorrect preposition: 'squint on' instead of 'squint at'.
- Using 'squint' as a noun for any look, not just a partly closed-eye look or medical condition.
Practice
Quiz
In informal British English, what can 'have a squint at something' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'squint at an idea' meaning to view it with skepticism or difficulty).
Both involve looking with effort. 'Squint' specifically involves partly closing the eyes, often due to light or to focus. 'Peer' suggests looking closely or scrutinizing, but not necessarily with narrowed eyes.
Yes. It can mean the act of squinting ('a quick squint'), the medical condition (strabismus), or an oblique glance.
Referring to the medical condition (strabismus) as 'a squint' is neutral in medical and everyday UK English, though some may prefer the clinical term. In the US, 'cross-eyed' or 'strabismus' are more common. Context and sensitivity are key.