What does askant mean?
"Askant" is a rare adverb describing a sidelong glance — the act of looking at someone or something out of the corner of one's eye rather than head-on. By extension, it carries a figurative sense: to regard a person, idea, or proposal "with suspicion or distrust" is to view it askant, implying wariness or quiet disapproval. In practice the word almost always follows a verb of perception, as in "she looked at him askant," and it belongs chiefly to literary or deliberately archaic register. Most modern readers encounter its far more common twin, "askance," which conveys much the same meaning; "askant" survives mainly in older texts and in writing that favors an antique flavor. Its origins lie in the same obscure source as "askance," likely a Middle French expression meaning "aslant" or "to one side." Though seldom used today, it remains a precise and evocative choice for describing a furtive, skeptical, or oblique look.
adverbWith a sidelong glance or look; also used figuratively to mean with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.
- With a sidelong or oblique glance; looking out of the corner of the eye.
- Figuratively, with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.
"The old sailor regarded the stranger askant before answering his questions."
"She glanced at him askant, unsure whether he was joking."
"Voters regarded the new policy askant, wary of its hidden costs."
"Askant" is essentially "askance"'s shadowy twin — nearly identical in sound and sense, yet so rare that many dictionaries treat it as little more than a footnote.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of askant
"Askant" is a variant of "askance," a word whose ultimate origin is uncertain but which is generally traced to a Middle French adverbial phrase such as "à chant" or similar expressions meaning "aslant" or "to one side," possibly influenced by Scandinavian forms. Both variants entered English in the early modern period, around the sixteenth century, when they were used literally of oblique glances and figuratively of suspicious regard. Over time "askance" became the dominant form, leaving "askant" as a largely literary rarity.
How askant is actually used
"Askant" is literary and somewhat archaic in tone; in everyday modern English most writers choose "askance" instead. When it does appear, it typically follows verbs of looking such as "look," "glance," or "regard."
Easily confused with askant
"Askance" is by far the more common form meaning with suspicion or disapproval, while "askant" is a rarer variant that more specifically suggests a sideways or oblique glance.