Eyeballing

/ˈaɪbɔːlɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Looking at something closely or estimating something by sight without measuring it exactly.

Etymology

From 'eyeball' (the round part of the eye), where '-ing' makes it a present participle verb. The phrase 'to eyeball' someone originally meant to stare directly at them with the eyeball.

Kelly Says

Humans are surprisingly bad at eyeballing distances and sizes—our brains use mental shortcuts that trick us, which is why optical illusions work so well!

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