The word look has several related meanings:

1. To direct your eyes toward something to see it. When you look at a painting, you're pointing your eyes at it and paying attention to what you see. You might look out the window to check the weather, or look closely at a bug through a magnifying glass.
2. To search for something. When you look for your missing shoe, you're trying to find it by checking different places. A detective looks for clues at a crime scene.
3. To appear a certain way. When someone says “you look tired,” they mean your appearance suggests you're tired. A dark cloud can look threatening, even if it doesn't rain. When you say “that looks delicious,” you're judging something by its appearance.

The word also works as a noun: a look is the expression on someone's face or the way something appears. An angry look tells you someone's upset without words. A room can have a modern look or a cozy look.

People also use look in phrases like “look out!” (watch for danger), “look up to” someone (admire them), or “look down on” someone (treat them as inferior). When you look into something, you investigate it carefully.