Perceiving The Senses: English Vocabulary List

to see or observe with the eyes

"The sailor sighted land at dawn."

"The excited sailors were the first to sight land after being lost at sea for nearly three weeks without any map or compass."

to look at someone or something without moving the eyes or blinking, usually for a while, and often without showing any expression

"Do not stare at strangers."

"It is considered very impolite to stare at strangers in public because it makes them feel uncomfortable and self conscious about their appearance."

to look at someone or something without blinking or moving the eyes

"She gazed at the beautiful sunset."

"The young couple sat on the park bench and began to gaze at the stars that were twinkling brightly in the clear night sky."

to briefly look at someone or something

"He glanced at his watch quickly."

"She quickly glanced at her wristwatch and realized that she was already ten minutes late for her important job interview this morning."

to look at or observe someone or something in a particular way, often with interest or suspicion

"He eyed the last piece of cake."

"The hungry cat sat very still and began to eye the little mouse that was nibbling on a piece of cheese nearby."

to secretly listen to a conversation without the knowledge or consent of those involved

"Do not eavesdrop on private conversations."

"The curious child tried to eavesdrop on her parents private conversation by pressing her ear against the wooden door of their bedroom."

to carefully watch something in order gain knowledge or understanding about the subject

"The scientist observed the cells dividing."

"The biologist spent several weeks in the rainforest to observe the behavior of a rare species of monkey in its natural habitat."

to carefully look at something

"View the painting from a distance."

"You can view the beautiful sunset from the top of the hill if you arrive there at least thirty minutes before the sun goes down."

to inhale air audibly through the nose, often to detect or identify a scent or odor

"The dog sniffed the suspicious package."

"The detective would sniff the air carefully, trying to discern any unusual scents that might provide a clue."

to see an act of crime or an accident

"She witnessed the terrible accident."

"The journalist was eager to witness the signing of the historic peace treaty between the two warring nations."