Squinting

Pronunciation: /ˈskwɪntɪŋ/

Definitions of squinting

verb the act of looking at something with one's eyes partly closed in order to see more clearly or to block out bright light

Example Sentences

A1 She was squinting in the bright sunlight.

A2 The old man squinted at the small print on the menu.

B1 I squinted my eyes to get a better look at the distant figure.

B2 The detective squinted suspiciously at the suspect during questioning.

C1 The scientist squinted through the microscope to examine the tiny cells.

C2 The artist squinted at the canvas, trying to determine the best placement for the brushstrokes.

Examples of squinting in a Sentence

formal She walked out into the bright sunlight, squinting against the glare.

informal I could barely see the street sign while squinting in the sun.

slang Stop squinting, you look like a confused owl.

figurative He squinted at the fine print, trying to decipher the hidden message.

Grammatical Forms of squinting

• past tense: squinted
• plural: squinters
• comparative: more squinting
• superlative: most squinting
• present tense: squints
• future tense: will squint
• perfect tense: have squinted
• continuous tense: is squinting
• singular: squinter
• positive degree: squinting
• infinitive: to squint
• gerund: squinting
• participle: squinting

Origin and Evolution of squinting

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'squinting' originated from the Middle English word 'squinten' which derived from the Old English word 'sintan' meaning to squint or look askance.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'squinting' has retained its original meaning of looking at something with one or both eyes partly closed, but it has also come to be used metaphorically to describe a doubtful or suspicious look or behavior.