Squint Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/skwint/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb/Noun

Definition

A squint is a slight and temporary narrowing or turning of the eyes, often due to strong light, fatigue, or intense focus. It is also used to describe a slight deviation from the normal alignment of the eyes, often requiring glasses or contact lenses to correct.

Examples

• After staring at the bright sun, John had to squint to see the road ahead.
• The child’s eyes would squint slightly when she concentrated on her math homework.

Synonyms

• Contract
• Close

Antonyms

• Widen
• Open

Additional Information

A squint is a common phenomenon, and most people experience it at some point in their lives. It can be caused by various factors, including insufficient lighting, eye strain, or optical imperfections. In some cases, a squint can be a symptom of an underlying condition requiring medical attention.

The term “squint” can also be used figuratively to describe something that is imperfect or slightly off-target. For instance, “the architect’s design had a slight squint to it, affecting the overall aesthetic of the building.”

Etymology

The word “squint” has its origins in the 14th century, derived from the Old French “esquinter”, meaning “to narrow or contract”. The verb has evolved to encompass not only the physical act of narrowing one’s eyes but also the figurative sense of slight deviation.

Usage Notes

In spoken language, the verb “to squint” is often used informally, while the noun form is more formal. In writing, the term can be used in both contexts, depending on the intended audience.

Cultural References

The term “squint” has appeared in various cultural works, such as in literature (e.g., James Joyce’s “Ulysses”) and film (e.g., the 1969 film “Midnight Cowboy”).

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Phrases like “to squint at something” (to examine closely) or “to squint at a problem” (to approach it with a slight bias) are common idiomatic expressions.

Related Words or Phrases

• Iris
• Pupil
• Focal point

Collocations

• Squint one’s eyes
• Squint at the light
• Squint at the problem

Frequency of Use

The word “squint” is relatively common in everyday language, particularly in conversations and written communication.

Common Misspellings

• Skwint
• Quint
• Squeen