Difference between "stare" and "gaze"

[FangFang]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #123 "Synonyms for see and watch", question 7

This man was their only hope and when he let them down they all ......... at him in alarm.

(a) stared
(b) fancied
(c) observed
(d) viewed

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #123 "Synonyms for see and watch", answer 7

This man was their only hope and when he let them down they all stared at him in alarm.

Correct answer: (a) stared

Your answer was: correct
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Both "stare" and "gaze" have meanings of looking (at sb/sth) with the eyes wide open in a fixed gaze (Oxford advanced learners dictionary)

I find here that ,"stare" is mainly used for "sb", but "gaze" is seemingly used for "sth" (scenery)

What is the difference between "stare" and "gaze".

thanks

FangFang

[Alan]

Hi FangFang,

Stare has the sense of looking at somebody/something with a fixed look of concentration and not moving your eyelids.

Gaze is also looking at but has the suggestion that the person doing the look has feelings of wonder/worship/admiration.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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