ENGLISH
REFERENCE

eyeing

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈaɪɪŋ// UK //ˈaɪɪŋ// eye·ing

v. to look at someone or something with a lot of interest. You often do this when you want something or when you are suspicious of it.

v. to look at someone or something closely or with a specific intent, such as desire, suspicion, or appraisal. The present participle of 'eye', used to describe an ongoing action of visual assessment.


SIMPLE

The cat is eyeing the bird through the window.

CONTEXTUAL

The hungry hikers were eyeing the fresh bread on the counter as they waited for their table.

COMPLEX

Several investors were eyeing the struggling startup, waiting for the valuation to drop further before making a formal acquisition offer.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; it is the present participle form of 'eye'.

Pitfall

He was eyeing to the cakeHe was eyeing the cakeEyeing is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

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