askance

[ uh-skans ]

adverb

1. with suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval:

   He looked askance at my offer.

   Synonyms: suspiciously, skeptically

2. with a side glance; sidewise; obliquely.

askance

/ əˈskænt; əˈskæns /

adverb

1. with an oblique glance
2. with doubt or mistrust

Word History and Origins

Origin of askance¹

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier a scanche, a sca(u)nce; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of askance¹

C16: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

see look askance .

Example Sentences

“Often, people look askance at victims who come forward with allegations years after a crime,” Boyarsky said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

In their book, Passing on the Right, Jon Shields and Joshua Dunn noted that “conservative professors…look askance at the populism that has shaken up the Republican Party in recent years.”

From Salon

She looked mostly like this while saying it — eyes askance, either pre-or-post hand on chin — a vibe, nay, a mood that she carried throughout most of the debate.

From Salon

From the moment Saba hits Georgian soil, the police look askance at his family name — a warrant is out for Dad for attempted murder, he’s told — and seize his passport.

From Los Angeles Times

Such an approach is bound to be viewed askance by those expecting “Caste” to follow a classically prescribed narrative structure.

From Salon

Related Words

• skeptically
• suspiciously