herabblicken
look down
The German word "herabblicken" is a verb composed of:
- "herab" — meaning "down" or "from above"
- "blicken" — meaning "to look" or "to glance"
Meaning:
"Herabblicken" means "to look down (on someone or something)." It often carries a connotation of condescension or superiority, i.e., looking down at someone in a disrespectful or disdainful manner.
Similar words:
- herabschauen (look down from above)
- heruntersehen (look down on)
- verächtlich blicken (look contemptuously)
Difference:
While herabblicken, herabschauen, and heruntersehen all describe looking downward physically or metaphorically, herabblicken and heruntersehen often imply an attitude of superiority or disdain, whereas herabschauen can be more neutral depending on context. Verächtlich blicken specifically emphasizes contempt rather than just the direction or attitude.
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Examples
Der König blickte herab.verb
The king looked down.
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