to eye
- verb
- /aɪ/
- She was eyeing the delicious desserts in the bakery display.
I have been eyeing these for so long.
- I have been eyeing these for so long.
- I know you've been eyeing it since the beginning of the reveal.
Examples
-
Along with India, China is also eyeing Arctic energy resources.
Academic text (2015) -
"I'd say you were following the tracks of the People," she said, eyeing him inquisitively.
Fiction book (1990) -
I have been eyeing these for so long.
-
Why are you eyeing my lemon drink?
-
One guy said our plates should be in a museum. Jack eyed the plates.
Academic text (2011) -
If you're like me, you're eyeing these skies with concern, and for good reason.
-
Then in 1992, at the age of thirty, Mayaki began eyeing the lucrative market in the United States.
Academic text (2002) -
"Maybe he won't stay here long enough to get enlightened," Rachel eyed Mary curiously.
Fiction book (1990) -
A group of guards walked past them, and they eyed Hael suspiciously, noting his prominent spear and sword.
Fiction book (1990) -
He has been eyeing that vintage car for quite some time, hoping to buy it one day.
Synonyms
To look at something carefully for some time
To look at someone or something for a long time without moving your eyes
To look at someone or something carefully
To look steadily with admiration, surprise, or deep thought
To look at someone or something closely and directly
To look at someone in a strong, often sexual way that may make them feel uncomfortable
Look at someone to show romantic or sexual interest
To look at a person or thing with interest
To look at someone with interest to judge or admire them
To watch something carefully
Antonyms
Idioms
- Informal
Punishment that gives the same harm back to the person who did the wrong
- Informal
Stay half awake and watch for danger while you sleep because you are afraid
To protect people from bad luck caused by a jealous look using charms
- Informal
Different people think different things are beautiful
A joke that people look more attractive after drinking alcohol
- Slur
Something very valuable that people pay a lot for and that many now find offensive
- Informal
A joking way to say something is very unpleasant or painful
To punish someone in the same way they hurt another person
- Informal
A joking way to say people find others more attractive after drinking beer
Phrasal Verbs
- Informal
To watch someone or something carefully to make sure nothing bad happens
Compounds
- Slang
Attractive pictures or designs that please the eyes but give little useful information
- Specialized
A chart with letters in different sizes to check how clearly you can see
- Specialized
A stage of sleep when the eyes move quickly and you have vivid dreams
- Specialized
A sleep stage when the eyes move quickly and most dreaming happens
- Specialized
A type of maple wood with small eye-like marks and a wavy grain used for fine furniture and instruments
- Specialized
A gem that shows a bright band of light across its surface when cut into a rounded shape
- Specialized
A camera made of many tiny lenses to give a wide view and detect motion
How Closely
Surface Forms
Etymology
Eye used as a verb comes directly from the noun and simply means 'to look at' or watch with your eye. So to 'eye' someone is to look at them closely or with interest.