Scowl Meaning
/skaʊl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe wrinkling of the brows or face in frowning; the expression of displeasure, sullenness, or discontent in the countenance; an angry frown.
nounGloom; dark or threatening aspect.
Sentence Examples
Make your voice a little deeper and add a scowl.
When Tom saw Mary, his scowl turned into a smile.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The strict teacher will ____ at the students who talk during the exam.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He wore a permanent ____ that made him look unapproachable to new colleagues.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English scowlen, scoulen, skoulen (also as Middle English schoulen), probably of North Germanic origin. Compare Danish skule (“to scowl”), Norwegian skule (“to scowl”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Mr. Pynsent, who had asked Miss Amory to dance, came up on one occasion to claim her hand, but scowls of recognition having already passed between him and Mr. Arthur Pendennis in the dancing-room, Arthur suddenly rose up and claimed Miss Amory as his partner for the present dance […]"
— 1848 November – 1850 December, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter 46, in The History of Pendennis. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1849–1850, →OCLC:
"She scould, and frownd with froward countenaunce"
— 1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book II, Canto II”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC, stanza 35:
"The scowling heavens."
— a. 1749 (date written), James Thomson, “Summer”, in The Seasons, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, and sold by Thomas Cadell, […], published 1768, →OCLC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The strict teacher will ____ at the students who talk during the exam.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He wore a permanent ____ that made him look unapproachable to new colleagues.