look for

/lʊk fɔr/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
To try to find someone or something.

Examples

  • He is looking for his phone.
  • We looked for a quiet place to sit.
  • Are you looking for the teacher?
  • I am looking for my keys.
  • She looked for her bag in the bedroom.

Similar words

search for

Meanings

Try to find

searching
neutral
To search in order to find a person or thing.

Examples

  • I am looking for my keys.
  • She looked for her bag in the bedroom.
  • Are you looking for the teacher?
  • We looked for a quiet place to sit.
  • He is looking for his phone.

Similar words

Etymology

Look is used for directing attention, and for marks what is being sought.

FAQ

What does look for mean?

Look for means try to find someone or something.

When is look for used?

It is used when the person or thing has not yet been found.

How does look for differ from find?

Look for describes searching; find means discovering the result.

How is look for used in a sentence?

“I am looking for my keys” shows the present continuous.

Is look for formal?

No, look for is an everyday expression.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...