Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense eyes, present participle eyeing, present participle eying, past tense, past participle eyed
1. countable noun [oft poss N in pl]
Your eyes are the parts of your body with which you see.
I opened my eyes and looked.
Maria's eyes filled with tears.
...a tall, thin white-haired lady with piercing dark brown eyes.
He is now blind in one eye.
Synonyms: eyeball, optic [informal], peeper [slang], orb [poetic] More Synonyms of eye
2. verb
If you eye someone or something in a particular way, you look at them carefully in that way.
Sally eyed Claire with interest. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
We eyed each other thoughtfully. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Martin eyed the bottle at Marianne's elbow. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: look at, view, study, watch More Synonyms of eye
3. countable noun [usually singular]
You use eye when you are talking about a person's ability to judge things or about the way in which they are consideringor dealing with things.
William was a man of discernment, with an eye for quality. [+for]
Their chief negotiator turned his critical eye on the United States.
I cast a practised eye over the sky to determine what the weather would be like.
He first learnt to fish under the watchful eye of his grandmother.
Synonyms: observance, observation, supervision, surveillance More Synonyms of eye
4. countable noun [adjective NOUN]
An electric eye or infrared eye is a device which can recognize the presence of people or objects by detecting the light or heat coming from them.
An infra-red eye is said to detect the movement of any animal within 10 metres.
5. singular noun [usually with poss]
People sometimes talk about the eye of the camera when they are talking about something being filmed or photographed, or the way something appears in a photograph or film.
I was again using the cold, unflinching eye of the camera to probe a sick society.
6. countable noun
An eye on a potato is one of the dark spots from which new stems grow.
7. countable noun
An eye is a small metal loop which a hook fits into, as a fastening on a piece of clothing.
8. countable noun
The eye of a needle is the small hole at one end which the thread passes through.
9. singular noun
The eye of a storm, tornado, or hurricane is the centre of it.
The eye of the hurricane hit Florida just south of Miami. [+ of]
10. See also black eye, private eye, shut-eye
11.
See before/in front of/under your eyes
12.
See cast/run your eye
13.
See catch someone's eye
14. See also eye-catching
15.
See catch someone's eye
16.
See to clap eyes on someone
17.
See to make eye contact
18.
See to close your eyes to something
19.
See to cry your eyes out
20.
See an eye for an eye
21.
See as far as the eye can see
22.
See have an eye for something
23.
See in/to someone's eyes
24.
See to keep your eyes open
25.
See to keep your eyes peeled
26.
See keep your eye on something
27.
See make eyes at someone
28.
See there's more to this than meets the eye
29.
See to meet someone's eyes
30.
See all eyes are on something
31.
See have your eye on someone
32.
See have your eye on something
33.
See with your eyes open
34.
See to open your eyes
35.
See to see eye to eye
36.
See the eye of the storm
37.
See take your eyes off something
38.
See through someone's eyes
39.
See up to your eyes
40. the apple of your eye
41. to turn a blind eye
42. to feast your eyes
43. to look someone in the eye
44. in your mind's eye
45. the naked eye
46. to pull the wool over someone's eyes
Phrasal verbs:
See eye up
More Synonyms of eye
eye in British English1
(aɪ)
noun
1.
the organ of sight of animals, containing light-sensitive cells associated with nerve fibres, so that light entering the eye is converted to nervous impulses that reach the brain. In humans and other vertebrates the iris controls the amount of light entering the eye and the lens focuses the light onto the retina
▶ Related adjectives: ocular, oculate, ophthalmic, optic
2. (often plural)
the ability to see; sense of vision
weak eyes
3.
the visible external part of an eye, often including the area around it
heavy-lidded eyes
piercing eyes
4.
a look, glance, expression, or gaze
a stern eye
5.
a sexually inviting or provocative look (esp in the phrases give (someone) the (glad) eye, make eyes at)
6.
attention or observation (often in the phrases catch someone's eye, keep an eye on, cast an eye over)
7.
ability to recognize, judge, or appreciate
an eye for antiques
8. (often plural)
opinion, judgment, point of view, or authority
in the eyes of the law
9.
a structure or marking having the appearance of an eye, such as the bud on a twig or potato tuber or a spot on a butterfly wing
10.
a small loop or hole, as at one end of a needle
11.
a small area of low pressure and calm in the centre of a tornado or cyclone
12. photocell
13. informal private eye
14. all eyes
15. my eye
16. an eye for an eye
17. cut one's eye after someone
18. eyes out
19. get one's eye in
20. half an eye
21. have eyes for
22. in one's mind's eye
23. in the public eye
24. keep an eye open
25. keep one's eyes peeled
26. look someone in the eye
27. make eyes
28. more than meets the eye
29. pick the eyes out
30. see eye to eye
31. set eyes on
32. the eye of the wind
33. turn a blind eye to
34. up to one's eyes
35. with a … eye
36. with an eye to
37. with one's eyes open
38. with one's eyes shut
verbWord forms: eyes, eyeing, eying or eyed(transitive)
39.
to look at carefully or warily
40. Also: eye up
to look at in a manner indicating sexual interest; ogle
Derived forms
eyeless (ˈeyeless)
adjective
eyelike (ˈeyeˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
Old English ēage; related to Old Norse auga, Old High German ouga, Sanskrit aksi
eye in British English2
(aɪ)
noun
another word for nye
eye in American English
(aɪ)
noun
1.
the organ of sight in humans and animals
2.
a.
the eyeball
b.
the iris
brown eyes
3.
the area around the eye, including the eyelids
to get a black eye
4. [often pl.]
the power of seeing; sight; vision
weak eyes
5.
a look; glance; gaze
to cast an eye on something
6.
attention; regard; observation
7.
the power of judging, estimating, discriminating, etc. by eyesight
a good eye for distances
8. [often pl.]
judgment; opinion; estimation
in the eyes of the law
9.
a thing like an eye in appearance or function
; specif.,
a.
a bud of a tuber, as a potato
b.
the spot on a peacock's tail feather
c.
the center of a flower; disk
d.
a hole in a tool, as for a handle
e.
the threading hole in a needle
f.
a loop of metal, rope, or thread
hook and eye
g.
an organ sensitive to light, as in certain lower forms of life
h.
photoelectric cell
i.
a section of any of certain cuts of meat
eye of round
j.
a hole, as in certain cheeses
10. Slang, Obsolete
a private detective; private eye
11. Meteorology
the calm, low-pressure area at the center of a hurricane, around which winds of high velocity move
12. [pl.]; Nautical
the part of the main deck of a vessel that is farthest forward
verb transitiveWord forms: eyed, ˈeyeing or ˈeying
13.
to look at; watch carefully; observe
14.
to provide with eyes, or holes
verb intransitive
15. Obsolete
to appear (to the eyes)
Idioms:
all eyes
an eye for an eye
catch someone's eye
eyes right (or left)
feast one's eyes on
give someone the eye
have an eye for
have an eye to
have eyes for
in a pig's eye
in the eye of the wind
in the public eye
keep an eye on
keep an eye out for
keep one's eyes open (or peeled or skinned)
lay (or set or clap) eyes on
make eyes at
my eye!
open someone's eyes
run one's eye over
see eye to eye
see with half an eye
shut one's eyes to
with an eye to
Word origin
ME ey, eie < OE ēage, akin to Ger auge < IE base *okw-, to see > Gr osse, eyes, ōps, face, eye, L oculus
eye in Automotive Engineering1
(aɪ)
Word forms: (regular plural) eyes
noun
(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)
An eye is the end of a link which has a flat part with a hole by which it can be attached.
Place the eye over the stud and secure with a nut.
A linkage consisting of an eye end and fork end is stronger because the pivot pin is in double rather than singleshear.
The farmer connected the eye of his trailer to the tractor.
eye in Automotive Engineering2
(aɪ)
Word forms: (regular plural) eyes
noun
(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Brakes, steering, wheels, tires, and suspension)
An eye is the end of a leaf spring by which it is attached to a vehicle.
Extending the frame allowed the rear spring front eye to join the chassis assembly.
He connected the eye of the leaf spring to the vehicle’s chassis.
After many years' use the eye of the leaf spring would wear and the suspension would rattle.
More idioms containing
eye
with the naked eye
turn a blind eye to something
there's more to something than meets the eye
take your eye off the ball
spit in someone's eye
something is one in the eye for someone
someone would give their eye teeth for something
not see eye to eye with someone
not bat an eye
look someone in the eye
keep your eye on the ball
in the eye of the storm
have an eye for the main chance
a gleam in someone's eye
give someone a black eye
get your eye in
catch someone's eye
cast your eye over something
cast an eye on something
be in the public eye
an eye for something
an eye for an eye
keep an eagle eye on someone or something
an eagle eye
the apple of your eye
a worm's eye view
keep a weather eye on something or someone
in your mind's eye
COBUILD Collocations
eye
smoky eyes
untrained eye
Examples of 'eye' in a sentence
eye
The other had brown hair and brown eyes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You can tell exactly how she is feeling by looking at her eyes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Volunteers wore goggles that flashed light into their eyes at a particular frequency.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet he always liked to keep an eye on the future.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He also has a dark eye and a light eye.
The Sun (2017)
It brought a tear to my eye and the way both sets of fans reacted was outstanding.
The Sun (2017)
It eyes me warily as I paddle past, heart in mouth.
The Sun (2017)
This commonly occurs just above the eyes.
Whiteside, Dr Mike Banish Headaches -how to obtain fast, drug-free relief from headache (1990)
One man could hardly speak as he looked into my eyes.
Christianity Today (2000)
They can put their eyes one way and hit it the other way.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
My skin feels super smooth and the area around my eyes is less lined.
The Sun (2012)
But he still had to actually experience the eye of the hurricane.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Be there to support her and keep a close eye on them all.
The Sun (2013)
This is a hot signal that draws his eyes down your body.
The Sun (2010)
Use your eyes and ideas without putting a camera to your eye.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
All done in a quiet manner with no eye contact or cuddles.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The stranger eyed a stuffed animal on the wall.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You see family life through fresh eyes and a small change makes a big difference.
The Sun (2009)
Dull eyes become clear again and a wavering gaze grows steady.
Lutzner, Dr Helmut Successful Fasting -the easy way to cleanse your body of its poisons (1990)
We sat down and looked at our house with cold eyes.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Limits at which police turn a blind eye will now be lowered dramatically.
The Sun (2006)
You could tell by her eyes there was something wrong.
The Sun (2012)
Everyone in the carriage eyes her warily.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Her brown eyes are full of indignation.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Footballers gossip about schemes elsewhere and often cast envious eyes.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It lifts eyes with just a simple slick across the top lash line.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Quotations
If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it outBible: St. Matthew
The sight of you is good for sore eyesJonathan SwiftPolite Conversation
The eyes are the windows of the soul
In other languages
eye
British English: eye /aɪ/ NOUN
Your eyes are the parts of your body with which you see.
I opened my eyes and looked.
American English: eye
Arabic: عَيْـن
Brazilian Portuguese: olho
Chinese: 眼睛
Croatian: oko
Czech: oko orgán
Danish: øje
Dutch: oog
European Spanish: ojo
Finnish: silmä
French: œil
German: Auge
Greek: μάτι
Italian: occhio
Japanese: 目
Korean: 눈
Norwegian: øye
Polish: oko
European Portuguese: olho
Romanian: ochi
Russian: глаз
Latin American Spanish: ojo
Swedish: öga
Thai: ตา
Turkish: göz
Ukrainian: око
Vietnamese: mắt
British English: eye VERB
If you eye someone or something in a particular way, you look at them carefully in that way.
She eyed the other girl with interest.
American English: eye
Brazilian Portuguese: olhar
Chinese: 注视
European Spanish: mirar
French: examiner
German: betrachten
Italian: scrutare
Japanese: じっと見る
Korean: 바라보다
European Portuguese: olhar
Latin American Spanish: mirar
All related terms of 'eye'
goldeye
a North American clupeoid fish, Hiodon alosoides, with yellowish eyes , silvery sides, and a dark blue back : family Hiodontidae ( mooneyes )
eye up
If someone eyes you up , they look at you in a way that shows they consider you attractive .
my eye
rubbish ; nonsense
eye dog
a dog trained to control sheep by staring fixedly at them
eye job
cosmetic surgery to remove wrinkles and loose skin round the eyes
red eye
A red-eye or a red-eye flight is a plane journey during the night.
rib eye
a large beefsteak cut from the outer, or eye, side of the ribs
beady eye
keen watchfulness that may be somewhat hostile
bindi-eye
any of various small weedy Australian herbaceous plants of the genus Calotis , with burlike fruits: family Asteraceae (composites)
black eye
If someone has a black eye , they have a dark-coloured bruise around their eye.
cat's-eye
any of a group of gemstones , esp a greenish-yellow variety of chrysoberyl , that reflect a streak of light when cut in a rounded unfaceted shape
cross-eye
a turning inwards towards the nose of one or both eyes, caused by abnormal alignment
eagle eye
If you talk about a person's eagle eye , you mean that they are watching someone or something carefully or are very good at noticing things.
evil eye
Some people believe that the evil eye is a magical power to cast a spell on someone or something by looking at them, so that bad things happen to them.
eye bath
eyecup
eye bolt
a bolt with a loop for a head
eye candy
Eye candy is used to refer to people or things that are attractive to look at but are not interesting in other ways.
eye chart
a chart used to test vision from a specified distance: it consists typically of rows of letters of decreasing size
eye cream
a cream used round the eyes
eye drops
Eye drops are a kind of medicine that you put in your eyes one drop at a time.
eye level
→ at eye level
eye patch
An eye patch is a piece of material which you wear over your eye when you have damaged or injured it.
eye rhyme
a rhyme involving words that are similar in spelling but not in sound, such as stone and none
eye teeth
→ See give your eye teeth
eye test
an eye examination , often done in a shop that sells glasses
fish-eye
a very small lens in a door that enables a person inside to see a visitor
glad eye
an inviting or seductive glance (esp in the phrase give ( someone ) the glad eye )
glass eye
an artificial eye made of glass
Hawk-Eye
an optical ball-tracking device used as an aid to commentators in certain sports, and as an officiating tool in major tennis tournaments
lazy eye
impaired vision ; amblyopia
magic eye
a miniature cathode-ray tube in some radio receivers , on the screen of which a pattern is displayed in order to assist tuning
screw eye
a wood screw with its shank bent into a ring
shut-eye
Shut-eye is sleep .
third eye
the pineal gland , believed by some people to be the source of spiritual insight
white-eye
any songbird of the family Zosteropidae of Africa , Australia , New Zealand , and Asia , having a greenish plumage with a white ring around each eye
bird's-eye
seen or photographed from high above
bull's-eye
The bull's-eye is the small circular area at the centre of a target.
eye appeal
the quality of appealing to the eye; attractiveness; beauty
eye-catcher
something that especially attracts one's attention
eye clinic
a clinic that treats eye diseases
eye colour
the colour of a person's eyes
eye contact
a direct look between two people; meeting of eyes
eye dialect
nonstandard respelling of words to suggest dialectal or informal pronunciation
eye doctor
an ophthalmologist
eye-opener
If you describe something as an eye-opener , you mean that it surprises you and that you learn something new from it.
eye-popping
so amazing or astonishing as to make one's eyes protrude
eye shadow
Eye shadow is a substance which you can paint on your eyelids in order to make them a different colour.
eye socket
Your eye sockets are the two hollow parts on either side of your face , where your eyeballs are.
eye splice
an eye formed in a rope by splicing the end into its standing part
eye strain
If you suffer from eye strain , you feel pain around your eyes or at the back of your eyes, because you are very tired or should be wearing glasses .
Chinese translation of 'eye'
eye
(aɪ)
n
(c) (Anat) 眼睛 (yǎnjing) (只, zhī)
(c) (fig) 眼光 (yǎnguāng)
⇒ He scrutinised the pages with a critical eye.他以挑剔的眼光细看了几页。 (Tā yǐ tiāotī de yǎnguāng xì kàn le jǐ yè.)
(c)[of needle]孔 (kǒng)
(s)[of tornado, hurricane]风(風)眼 (fēngyǎn)
vt
(= look at) 审(審)视(視) (shěnshì)
⇒ We eyed each other thoughtfully.我们仔细地审视了对方。 (Wǒmen zǐxì de shěnshìle duìfāng.)
to keep an eye on sb/sth密切注意某人/某事 (mìqiè zhùyì mǒurén/mǒushì)
before or in front of or under one's eyes在某人的眼皮底下 (zài mǒurén de yǎnpí dǐxià)
to catch sb's eye[action, movement]被某人看到 (bèi mǒurén kàndào) [person] (deliberately) 引起某人的注意 (yǐnqǐ mǒurén de zhùyì)
to clap or lay or set eyes on sb/sth (inf) 看见(見)某人/某事 (kànjiàn mǒurén/mǒushì)
to have one's eye on sth (inf, = want) 想要某物 (xiǎngyào mǒuwù)
to keep one's eyes open for or to keep an eye out for sb/sth留意某人/某事 (liúyì mǒurén/mǒushì)
to look sb in the eye or to meet sb's eyes正视(視)某人 (zhèngshì mǒurén)
to see sth through sb's eyes从(從)某人的角度看 (cóng mǒurén de jiǎodù kàn)
as far as the eye can see就视(視)力所及的范(範)围(圍) (jiù shìlì suǒ jí de fànwéi)
in the public eye广(廣)为(為)人知 (guǎng wéi rén zhī)
to see eye to eye (with sb)(与(與)某人)看法完全一致 ((yǔ mǒurén) kànfǎ wánquán yīzhì)
to have an eye for sth具有对(對)某物的鉴(鑑)赏(賞)力 (jùyǒu duì mǒuwù de jiànshǎnglì)
there's more to this than meets the eye并(並)不像看到的那么(麼)简(簡)单(單) (bìng bùxiàng kàndào de nàme jiǎndān)
All related terms of 'eye'
eye witness
( to crime, accident ) 目击(擊)者 mùjīzhě [ 位 wèi ]
seeing-eye dog
导(導)盲犬 dǎomángquǎn [ 只 zhī ] [ 英 = guide dog ]
blind in one eye
一只眼睛失明 yī zhī yǎnjīng shīmíng
in my mind's eye
在我的想象中 zài wǒ de xiǎngxiàng zhōng
in the public eye
广(廣)为(為)人知 guǎng wéi rén zhī
to catch sb's eye
( action, movement ) 被某人看到 bèi mǒurén kàndào
to the trained eye
经(經)专(專)业眼光鉴(鑑)定 jīng zhuānyè yǎnguāng jiàndìng
a gleam in sb's eye
某人眼里(裡)闪(閃)烁(爍)的光芒 mǒurén yǎnli shǎnshuò de guāngmáng
at eye/waist etc level
在与(與)眼/腰 等 平齐(齊)的位置 zài yǔ yǎn/yāo děng píngqí de wèizhi ⇒ He held the gun at waist level. → 他把枪端在与腰平齐的位置上。 Tā bǎ qiāng duān zài yǔ yāo píngqí de wèizhì shang.
in the blink of an eye
转(轉)眼之间(間) zhuǎnyǎn zhījiān
to have an eye for sth
具有对(對)某物的鉴(鑑)赏(賞)力 jùyǒu duì mǒuwù de jiànshǎnglì
visible to the naked eye
肉眼可见(見)的 ròuyǎn kě jiàn de
in/out of the public eye
常/不常在公开(開)场(場)合露面的 cháng/bù cháng zài gōngkāi chǎnghé lòumiàn de
对(對)细(細)节(節)有敏锐(銳)的观(觀)察力 duì xìjié yǒu mǐnruì de guānchálì
to see sth with the naked eye
肉眼可见(見)某物 ròuyǎn kě jiàn mǒuwù
to give sb/to have a black eye
把某人眼睛打青/眼睛青了 bǎ mǒurén yǎnjīng dǎqīng/yǎnjīng qīng le
she is the apple of her father's eye
她是父亲(親)的掌上明珠 tā shì fùqīn de zhǎng shàng míngzhū
to punch sb on the nose/in the eye
拳打某人的鼻子/眼睛 quándǎ mǒurén de bízi/yǎnjīng
there's more to this than meets the eye
并(並)不像看到的那么(麼)简(簡)单(單) bìng bùxiàng kàndào de nàme jiǎndān
to look sb in the eye or to meet sb's eyes
正视(視)某人 zhèngshì mǒurén
to keep one's eyes open for or to keep an eye out for sb/sth
留意某人/某事 liúyì mǒurén/mǒushì
to see eye to eye (with sb)
(与(與)某人)看法完全一致 (yǔ mǒurén) kànfǎ wánquán yīzhì
to turn a blind eye (to sth)
(对(對)某事)视(視)而不见(見) (duì mǒushì) shì ér bù jiàn
to jab sb (in the arm/back/eye) with sth
用某物戳某人(的胳膊/背部/眼睛) yòng mǒuwù chuō mǒurén de (gēbo/bèibù/yǎnjing)
1 (noun)
She went to the optician's to get her eyes checked.
Synonyms
eyeball
optic (informal)
peeper (slang)
orb (poetic)
organ of vision
organ of sight
2 (noun)
Definition
the ability to see or record what is happening
her sharp eyes and acute hearing
Synonyms
eyesight
He suffered from poor eyesight and could no longer read properly.
sight
My sight is failing and I can't see to read any more.
vision
The disease causes blindness or serious loss of vision.
observation
perception
ability to see
range of vision
power of seeing
3 (noun)
He has an eye for talent.
Synonyms
appreciation
They have a strong appreciation of the importance of economic incentives.
taste
She has very good taste in clothes.
recognition
At last, her father's work has received popular recognition.
judgment
Publication of the information was a serious error in judgment.
discrimination
He praised our taste and discrimination.
perception
It did not require a great deal of perception to realise what he meant.
discernment
their lack of discernment and acceptance of inferior quality
4 (noun)
Definition
attention or observation
He played under his grandmother's watchful eye.
Synonyms
observance
observation
careful observation of the movement of the planets
supervision
surveillance
He was arrested after being kept under constant surveillance.
attention
He turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province.
notice
Nothing that went on in the hospital escaped her notice.
inspection
A routine inspection of the vessel turned up 50 kg of the drug.
heed
He pays too much heed these days to my nephew.
vigil
watch
Keep a close watch on him while I'm gone.
lookout
He denied that he had failed to keep a proper lookout during the night.
vigilance
a problem that requires constant vigilance
alertness
feelings of greater alertness and ability to concentrate
watchfulness
5 (noun)
Definition
a small area of calm in the centre of a storm, hurricane, or tornado
the eye of the hurricane
Synonyms
centre
A large wooden table dominates the centre of the room.
heart
The heart of the problem is supply and demand.
middle
I was in the middle of the back row.
mid
core
He has the ability to get straight to the core of a problem.
nucleus
The movement could become the nucleus of a new political party.
(verb)
Definition
to look at carefully or warily
We eyed each other thoughtfully.
Synonyms
look at
view
The mourners filed past to view the body.
study
Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.
watch
The man was standing in the doorway watching him.
check
Check the accuracy of every detail in your CV.
Get a mechanic to check the car out for you before you buy it.
regard
She regarded him curiously for a moment.
survey
He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.
clock (British, slang)
observe
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
stare at
scan
She scanned the advertisement pages of the newspaper.
contemplate
She contemplated her hands thoughtfully.
check out (informal)
inspect
Cut the fruit in half and inspect the pips.
glance at
gaze at
behold (archaic, literary)
The garden was a joy to behold.
eyeball (slang)
scrutinize
She scrutinized his features.
peruse
She was perusing a copy of Life magazine.
get a load of (informal)
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
have or take a look at
idioms
See an eye for an eye
See turn a blind eye to or close your eyes to
phrasal verb
See eye something or someone up
phrase
See in or to someone's eyes
See keep an eye or your eye on
See see eye to eye (with)
See set, clap or lay eyes on someone
See up to your eyes (in)
related words
related adjectivesocularoculateophthalmicoptic
related phobiaommatophobia
subject word lists
See Parts of the eye
figurative note
The primary meaning of eye is that of the organ of sight in humans and other animals. Sight is perhaps the most fundamental sense in humans. Eyes are associated with vision in descriptions like prying eyes and sharp eyes, and observation in all eyes,a watchful eye, and keeping an eye on someone. When we are attracted to someone, eye develops the sense `ogle' in eye someone up. The ability to discriminate with the eyes has led to the meaning of appreciation and taste, particularly in the visual sphere, e.g. an eye for colour, design, detail, quality, and style. The physical location and shape of the eyes has inspired the meaning of central in the phrase the eye of the storm, which is applied both literally and figuratively. Although we understand the biblical phrase eye for an eye to mean retribution, it was originally intended as an appeal to restrict the degree of punishment to fit that of the crime. Conversely, when we see eye to eye, it means agreement, and in the eyes of (the law, others, the world) it means opinion.
Quotations
If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out [Bible: St. Matthew]The sight of you is good for sore eyes [Jonathan Swift – Polite Conversation]
proverb
The eyes are the windows of the soul
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alertness
feelings of greater alertness and ability to concentrate
Synonyms
watchfulness,
vigilance,
agility,
wariness,
quickness,
liveliness,
readiness,
circumspection,
attentiveness,
spiritedness,
briskness,
nimbleness,
perceptiveness,
carefulness,
sprightliness,
promptitude,
activeness,
heedfulness
in the sense of attention
Definition
concentrated direction of the mind
He turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province.