What is askance? Pronunciation and usage in English

askance means . Learn how to pronounce and use askance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of askance

askanceadverb

/əˈskæns//əˈskæns/

Okay, "askance" can be tricky! Here's a breakdown of how to pronounce it, broken down into syllables and with some helpful tips:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • ask - Pronounced like "ask" as in "ask a question" (short "a" sound)
  • ance - This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "ans" with a slight emphasis on the "ans."

2. Putting it Together - The Sound:

The whole word is generally pronounced: "ask-ans"

3. Key Points & Tips:

  • The "a" in "ask": Make it a short, sharp "a" sound, similar to "cat" or "back." Don’t say “axe.”
  • The "ans" sound: This is the most common stumbling block. It's not like the word "ants." It’s more like the “ans” in “answer” – but a little shorter and more clipped. Think of it as a quick, almost swallowed "ah-nsss." Your tongue is slightly further back in your mouth than when saying "ants."
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("ask").

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:

  • Google Audio Search: Search for "pronounce askance" on Google, and you'll get audio results.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/askance/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search “how to pronounce askance” - several tutorials are available.

5. Common Mispronunciations & What NOT to Do:

  • Don't say "ax-ans": This is a very common mistake.
  • Don’t overemphasize the “ans”: It's a quick, subtle sound.

In short, aim for "ask-ans" – short "a" followed by a quick, clipped "ans" sound.

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word askance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "askance." It's a relatively uncommon word, but it adds a really specific and evocative flavor to your writing or speech.

Meaning:

"Askance" means to look or regard something or someone with suspicion, doubt, or disapproval. It’s essentially a slightly more formal and literary way of saying "with suspicion," "with a critical eye," or "with disapproval." It suggests a kind of hesitant, questioning glance.

How to Use It – Examples:

Here’s how you can incorporate "askance" into sentences, broken down by different contexts:

  1. Describing a Look:

    • “He looked askance at the offer, clearly unconvinced.” (He looked with suspicion.)
    • “She regarded him askance, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.” (She regarded him with doubt.)
    • “The detective scanned the room askance, searching for any sign of trouble.” (He scanned the room with a critical, watchful eye.)

  2. Describing a Reaction:

    • “I askanced at his explanation, finding it a bit too convenient.” (I regarded his explanation with suspicion/doubt.)
    • “The audience askanced at the sudden change in tone.” (The audience regarded the change with disapproval/unease.)

  3. More Figurative/Literary Use:

    • “He met her gaze askance, as if questioning her motives.” (He met her gaze with a questioning, slightly suspicious look.)
    • "The old house stood on the hill, casting a long shadow askance over the valley." (This is a less common usage, but it uses “askance” to describe a distorted or unusual perspective – the shadow isn’t straightforward.)

Key Points & Nuances:

  • Formal Tone: "Askance" is generally considered more formal than words like "suspiciously," "doubtfully," or "critically." It's better suited for writing and more elevated speech than casual conversation.

  • Implied Hesitation: It suggests a brief, almost hesitant glance. It’s not a full-blown, confrontational expression of disapproval.

  • Often Used with “at”: It's most commonly used in prepositional phrases like "look askance at," "regard askance," or "askance at."

  • Not Overused: Because it's less common, overuse can make your writing sound affected or overly dramatic. It’s best used judiciously to add a particular shade of meaning.

Synonyms (depending on the context):

  • Suspiciously
  • Doubtfully
  • Critically
  • Warily
  • Reservationally
  • Questioningly

Resources for Further Exploration:

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Synonyms for the word askance

Idioms of the word askance

look askance (at somebody/something) | look (at somebody/something) askance
to look at or react to somebody/something in a critical way or in a way that shows you do not trust or believe them
  • The opposition party looked askance at most of the government’s proposed policies.
  • She looked askance at him when he began to eat before everybody else.
  • A waiter in a tuxedo looked askance at his jeans.

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