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Askance vs Abreast - What's the difference?

askance | abreast |

As adverbs the difference between askance and abreast

is that askance is (of a look or glance) with disapproval, skepticism, or suspicion while abreast is side by side, facing forward .

As adjectives the difference between askance and abreast

is that askance is turned to the side, especially of the eyes while abreast is side by side, facing forward .

As a preposition abreast is

abreast of; alongside.

askance

English

Alternative forms

* askaunce (obsolete)

Adverb

(-)
  • (of a look or glance) With disapproval, skepticism, or suspicion.
    • The beggar asked for change, but the haughty woman only looked at him askance .
  • * 1932 —
    • The scandal of opposition died down, and the stone-carver himself, though the town-folk continued to eye him askance , was able to secure other work through the favor of discriminating patrons.
  • * Gladstone
    • Both were viewed askance by authority.
  • * Landor
    • My palfrey eyed them askance .
  • Sideways; obliquely.
  • * 1896 — , chapter 8
    • I glanced askance at this strange creature, and found him watching me with his queer, restless eyes.
  • * 1878 — , chapter 1
    • ...the head-stones in the grave-yard beneath seemed to be holding themselves askance to keep it out of their faces.

    Synonyms

    * skeptically, suspiciously * obliquely, sideways

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Turned to the side, especially of the eyes.
  • * 1855 —
    • My first thought was, he lied in every word,
    That hoary cripple, with malicious eye
    Askance to watch the working of his lie

    Synonyms

    * (turned to the side) oblique, sideways

    abreast

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (l)

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • Side by side, facing forward.
  • *
  • *
  • (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
  • Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
  • Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.
  • (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.
  • (obsolete): At the same time; simultaneously
  • *

    • Usage notes

    * (nautical) Abreast is followed by the word of . * (alongside) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of . * (informed) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of . * (up to a certain level) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of .

    Synonyms

    * (informed)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Side by side, facing forward.
  • (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
  • Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
  • Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.
  • (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.

    • Preposition

    (English prepositions)
  • Abreast of; alongside.
    • This ship sank abreast the island.

    References

    Anagrams

    *