What does askanced mean?
Askanced is a rare English adjective describing a sideways or oblique look, particularly one expressing suspicion, distrust, wariness, or disapproval. It is the participial form of askance and is now encountered mainly in literary writing, formal prose, and deliberately archaic or elevated style rather than everyday conversation. A phrase such as an askanced glance suggests that the person is looking sideways because the subject causes unease or evokes a guarded reaction. In some contexts, however, the word can simply mean that a look or line of sight is directed obliquely. Askanced preserves the visual force of askance while adding a strong emotional and social nuance. Its uncommon form makes it especially useful when a writer wants to convey not merely a sideways glance but the suspicion or disapproval communicated by that glance.
Looking sideways or obliquely, especially with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.
"She watched him with an askanced expression."
Chiefly literary and uncommon in modern everyday usage.
Past tense and past participle of askance: to glance sideways at someone or something.
"The stranger askanced us before approaching."
Rare and literary; the form may also function attributively as an adjective.
The rare adjective askanced captures a sidelong glance that can convey more suspicion than an entire argument.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does askanced come from?
Askanced is the past-participle and past-tense form of askance. The base word entered Middle English from an Anglo-French expression meaning to look from the side, ultimately referring to an indirect or sideways gaze. Its modern use developed from that physical sense toward the more specific implication of suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.
Related word forms
How askanced is actually used
Literary and markedly uncommon in contemporary English. It often carries a connotation of suspicion, unease, or disapproval that plain words such as sidelong may not imply.
Easily confused with askanced
Askance is the base verb, adjective, and adverb, while askanced is its past-tense, past-participle, and participial-adjective form.