look off
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To look away from something, or to look into the distance.
Literal meaning: To direct your gaze off (away, to the side, into the distance).
Meanings
1 C1 informal
(Regional American English) To look away from something or to gaze into the distance in a thoughtful or distracted way.
"He looked off toward the hills for a moment before answering the question."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Not a standard phrasal verb in British English or mainstream American English. Used in certain regional American dialects (particularly Southern and Appalachian English) to mean looking away or gazing into the distance. Standard alternatives ('look away', 'gaze into the distance') are more widely understood. Learners should recognise it but use the standard alternatives.
Commonly used with
distance window horizon away dreamily
Forms
Base
look off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks off
he/she/it
Past simple
looked off
yesterday
Past participle
looked off
have + pp
-ing form
looking off
continuous
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