Look on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫʊk/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

LUUK-AHN or LUUK-AWN

UK

lˈʊk/ /ˈɒn

LUUK-ON

Definition

To watch an event or situation without becoming involved or taking part.

Usage & Nuances

'Look on' is usually used for people who are present but passive; it can sound neutral or slightly negative, as in 'just look on and do nothing.' Often used with 'as' to indicate an opinion (e.g., 'look on someone as a friend,' but that's a different sense). Don't confuse with 'look for' or 'look at.'

• Spanish: observar - mirar (sin participar)
• Portuguese (BR): observar - assistir (sem participar)
• Portuguese (PT): observar - assistir (sem participar)
• Chinese (Simplified): 旁观 - 观看（不参与）
• Chinese (Traditional): 旁觀 - 觀看（不參與）
• Hindi: देखना (बिना हिस्सा लिए)
• Arabic: يُشاهِد (دون مشاركة)
• Bengali: দেখে থাকা - দর্শক থাকা
• Russian: наблюдать (не вмешиваясь) - быть зрителем
• Japanese: 見守る - 傍観する
• Vietnamese: đứng nhìn - quan sát (không can thiệp)
• Korean: 지켜보다 - 방관하다
• Turkish: seyirci kalmak - izlemek (müdahil olmadan)
• Urdu: دیکھتے رہنا - تماشائی بننا
• Indonesian: menyaksikan saja - melihat (tanpa ikut campur)

Example Sentences

Many people looked on as the firemen worked.

basic

They just looked on and did nothing.

basic

I could only look on as my friend argued.

basic

All we could do was look on while the team lost the game.

natural

He hates to just look on when someone needs help.

natural

Sometimes, all you can do is look on and hope for the best.

natural