direct-looking
|di-rect-look-ing|
🇺🇸
/dəˈrɛktˈlʊkɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈrɛktˈlʊkɪŋ/
looking straight at
Etymology
'direct-looking' originates from English, formed by combining the adjective 'direct' and the present participle 'looking'. 'Direct' ultimately traces to Latin 'directus' (from 'dirigere') meaning 'straight' or 'guided', while 'look' comes from Old English 'lōcian' meaning 'to look'.
'direct' passed into Middle English via Old French and Late Latin from Latin 'directus'; 'look' comes from Old English 'lōcian'. The compound 'direct-looking' is a modern English formation combining these elements to describe a manner or appearance.
Individually, 'direct' originally meant 'straight' and 'look' meant 'to gaze'; combined, they evolved into the compound adjective meaning 'having a straight or straightforward gaze' or 'appearing frank', a usage that developed in modern English through compounding.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a gaze that is directed straight at someone or something; looking or staring straight on.
She gave him a direct-looking stare across the room.
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Adjective 2
appearing frank, straightforward, or plainly expressed in appearance or manner (used of features or expression).
He had a direct-looking face that made people trust him easily.
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Last updated: 2025/12/30 14:25