searching

[ sur-ching ]

/ ˈsɜr tʃɪŋ /

examining carefully or thoroughly: a searching inspection.

acutely observant or penetrating: a searching glance; a searching mind.

piercing or sharp: a searching wind.

Origin of searching

First recorded in 1570–80; search + -ing²

search·ing·ly, adverb search·ing·ness, noun self-search·ing, adjective, noun un·search·ing, adjective

un·search·ing·ly, adverb

His brow knit and there was a curious gravity in his eyes as they sought hers searchingly.

A Hoosier Chronicle |Meredith Nicholson
The Empress seemed taken aback by the young man's unexpected reply, and for some moments she gazed at him searchingly in silence.

The Strong Arm |Robert Barr
A moment, and a servant appeared and looked at him searchingly.

The Brand of Silence |Harrington Strong
They repeated the question three times very pointedly and searchingly, but he continued to make evasive replies.

The Mountain Chant, A Navajo Ceremony |Washington Matthews

"No," said Cyril, looking at her searchingly in the light of the small lamp.

The Solitary Farm |Fergus Hume

searching

/ (ˈsɜːtʃɪŋ) /

keenly penetrating a searching look

searchingly, adverb searchingness, noun