Definition of the word look on

The phrase "look on" is a phrasal verb, meaning it is composed of a verb (look) and a preposition (on). The expression "look on" derives from the Middle English phrase "loke kon," which meant "to keep watch" or "to supervise." Over time, the usage of the phrase evolved to convey the idea of simply observing or watching something. The construction "look on" is dated back to at least the 15th century, with the first known recorded usage appearing in Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" in 1470. The phrase gained popularity during the Renaissance as English scholars studied and adapted Latin and Greek grammar. During this period, the idiom "look on" became increasingly fashionable as a replacement for the less precise expression "to look towards." The preposition "on" can be interpreted multiple ways depending on the context, such as "regard" or "attention." However, its original meaning of "to be situated upon" or "to be stationary" has been largely supplanted by its present-day significance. Overall, the expression "look on" has remained a ubiquitous element of the English language and has continued to be popular in literature, journalism, and everyday conversation.