What is stare? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of stare

stareverb

/stɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of stare

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stare." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /stɛər/ (rhymes with "near")

Let's break that down further:

  • "st": Pronounced like the "st" in "stop" or "street."
  • "ae": This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like the "air" in "air" or the “are” in “are.” It’s a diphthong – it’s a combination of two vowel sounds blending together.
  • "r": A gentle, almost quick, "r" sound at the end. Don't roll your 'r' like a Spanish speaker.

Here's a helpful way to hear it:

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "star": This is a very common mistake! Don't add an "r" at the end.
  • Overemphasizing the "ae" sound: It’s a subtle blend, not a very long vowel sound.

To recap: "stare" sounds like "stair" (as in "near").

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "stare"?

Usage and examples with the word stare in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stare" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and nuances. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Look Intently & Without Blinking (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To look steadily and intently at someone or something, often without blinking. It usually implies a degree of surprise, interest, concentration, or sometimes, intimidation.
  • Grammar: Typically followed by "at" + object.
  • Examples:
    • "She stared at the painting, completely mesmerized by its colors." (Intense interest)
    • "He stared at her in disbelief when she told him the news." (Surprise/Shock)
    • "The child stared at the flashing lights of the fireworks." (Focused attention)
    • "The security guard stared down the suspicious man." (Warning/Intimidation)

2. To Gaze (More Formal)

  • Meaning: Similar to the first meaning, but often used in a more formal or literary context. It suggests a prolonged, thoughtful look.
  • Examples:
    • "The poet stared out the window, lost in contemplation."
    • "The astronomer stared at the telescope, searching for a new galaxy."

3. To Look in a Blank or Vacant Way (Often Negative)

  • Meaning: To look with an expression of emptiness, confusion, or lack of thought. This can be unsettling.
  • Examples:
    • "He stared blankly at the wall, unable to remember his name." (Confusion/Memory Loss)
    • "She stared into space, lost in her own thoughts." (Distraction/Daydreaming)
    • "The patient stared at the ceiling, unresponsive." (Lack of awareness)

4. (Figurative) To Focus Intensely (on a problem or idea)

  • Meaning: To concentrate very hard on something. This is less about the physical act of looking and more about mental focus.
  • Example: "He stared at the complex equation, trying to find the solution." (Concentration)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Use Meaning Examples
Primary Intense, unwavering gaze Stare at the sunset, stare at her face
Formal Prolonged, thoughtful gaze Stare out the window, stare at the stars
Negative Vacant, blank stare Stare blankly, stare into space
Figurative Intense mental focus Stare at the problem, stare at the data

Important Notes:

  • "Stare" vs. "Gaze": "Gaze" is often more poetic and suggests a slower, more deliberate kind of looking. "Stare" tends to be more immediate and can have stronger emotional connotations.

  • "Staring" (Gerund): You can use "staring" as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun). For example: "He was staring at the fire."

  • Avoid Overuse: Using "stare" too frequently can make your writing feel repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "glare," "gaze," "fix," "watch," or "observe" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word "stare"? (e.g., a story, a poem, an email?)
  • What kind of feeling or emotion do you want to convey with the staring?

Synonyms for the word stare

Idioms of the word stare

be staring somebody in the face
used to describe something that you have failed to see, even though it was obvious and should have been easy to see
  • The answer was staring us in the face but we never saw it until it was too late.
to be certain to happen
  • Defeat was staring them in the face.
be staring something in the face
to be unable to avoid something
  • They were staring defeat in the face.

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