What’s the Difference Between STARING and GAWKING?

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The Difference Between STARING and GAWKING

There are many words in English referring to seeing and looking. Each has it’s own distinctive meaning and nuance. Learn when to use staring and which contexts would be more suitable for gawking.

Here is a transcript of the video . . .

Slide 1:
What’s the Difference Between STARING and GAWKING?

Slide 2:
Staring and gawking both refer to keeping your eyes fixed on someone or something but
there is a difference.

Study the following pictures and especially the facial expressions. You will see the difference between staring and gawking.

Slide 3:
The picture shows two men with their eyes fixed on something, deep in thought and concentrating. They are staring.

Slide 4:
In this picture the woman is also focusing on something, concentrating. She is staring.

Slide 5:
In this picture we see a man in the street gawking at something, or someone. Notice the facial expression.

Slide 6:
Again, in this picture the girl on the far right is gawking at something. Notice her facial expression.

Slide 7:
Did you notice that when a person is gawking they often have their mouth open with a blank or vacant look on the face?

Some dictionaries describe gawking as staring open-mouthed, stupidly.

So if something really catches your attention, it may be OK to stare but try not to gawk!

Even then, be careful about staring at people!

Slide 8:
For example, if you are sitting opposite someone on a subway train and you keep your eyes fixed on that person, you may get an angry response such as: “What are you staring at?”

Slide 9:
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