Mastering ‘Askance’: Boost Your IELTS Vocabulary
Learn the meaning, usage, and history of the word ‘askance’ to enhance your English skills for IELTS. This video covers its function as an adverb, common mistakes to avoid, and examples to help you use it correctly in your speaking and writing tasks.
Imagine you’re at a formal dinner party, and someone makes an inappropriate joke. How would the other guests react?
They might look at the person askance. Today, we’re exploring this sophisticated word that can elevate your English vocabulary to IELTS band score 8.0 level.
Word type: Askance is primarily used as an adverb, though it can occasionally function as an adjective.
Meaning: Askance means with disapproval, suspicion, or distrust. It often describes a sideways glance or an oblique look that conveys skepticism or criticism.
When you look at something askance, you’re expressing doubt or disapproval without directly stating it.
Word history: The origin of askance is somewhat mysterious. It first appeared in English in the 16th century, possibly derived from the Old Italian word ‘a scancio’, meaning obliquely or sideways.
Some linguists suggest it might be related to the Dutch word ‘schuin’, meaning slanting or askew.
Antonyms:
Antonyms for askance include approvingly, favorably, and trustingly.
Synonyms: Synonyms include suspiciously, dubiously, skeptically, and mistrustfully.
Examples use in sentences: The committee looked askance at the proposal, doubting its feasibility. She glanced askance at her colleague’s extravagant claims during the presentation.
The traditionalists viewed the new art installation askance, unsure of its merit. Common errors in use:
One common mistake is using askance as a noun or a verb. Remember, it’s primarily an adverb. For example, it’s incorrect to say “He gave an askance” or “She askanced at him.”
Instead, use it to modify verbs like “look,” “view,” or “regard.” Another error is confusing askance with askew.
While both can relate to things being off or not straight, askance specifically relates to attitudes or glances, while askew describes physical positioning.
To wrap up, askance is a powerful word that can add nuance and sophistication to your English expression.
It conveys a subtle form of disapproval or suspicion, often through a sidelong glance. By incorporating askance into your vocabulary, you demonstrate a command of advanced English usage, crucial for achieving that coveted 8.0 band score in IELTS.
Remember its correct usage as an adverb, and you’ll be well-equipped to describe skeptical reactions in your speaking and writing tasks.
