"Looks good" denotes that something appears satisfactory, acceptable, or pleasing after analysis or consideration. It's often used to express approval or indicate that expectations have been met.
In short:
"Looks good" signifies that something seems attractive or satisfactory, usually regarding aesthetics or quality.
The phrase "looks good" is employed to communicate that something appears visually appealing or satisfactory. This expression is commonly used when assessing aesthetics, evaluating the quality of work, or confirming the completion of a task.
Depending on the context, the phrase could range from a casual compliment to a formal approval.
It first emerged in the English language during the 18th century and has been used extensively ever since. The term is commonly used to express approval or admiration for something, but its meaning has evolved over time. Interestingly, the phrase was originally used to describe physical appearance, specifically the attractiveness of a person's facial features. As an idiom, its figurative sense developed to represent finding something acceptable or satisfactory upon consideration or examination.
"The Morning Telegraph, from which the above framed platform is taken, says 'All looks good except the plank relating to swearing.'"
- The Reformatory Press, 1909
Here are some examples of using the idiom in sentences:
The phrase "looks good" is commonly found in pop culture, usually in contexts related to fashion, art, design, or food.
Some examples include:
There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "looks good."
Some of these include:
These alternatives can be used interchangeably, depending on the context and the level of satisfaction or attractiveness involved.
"Looks good" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter being discussed.
Yes, like many expressions, "looks good" can be used sarcastically to suggest that something is not satisfactory or appealing.
Yes, "looks good" is suitable for professional settings, especially when providing feedback or approval.
Yes, "looks good" can be used in both informal and formal written communication, including emails, reports, and text messages.
Yes, "looks good" is a common casual way to convey that you find a suggestion, idea or invitation agreeable or are willing to accept it. For example, "Dinner on Friday looks good. What time shall we meet?" Or "Taking the afternoon off for a bike ride looks good. The weather's going to be perfect."
Yes, the phrase is not context-specific and can be used by anyone to express approval or satisfaction with something's appearance or quality.
Yes, it can be used when discussing a group's actions or decisions, such as "the team's presentation looks good."
While it's not typically used to express understanding, "looks good" can convey agreement or confirmation, such as "this plan looks good to me."
"Looks good" is used when something appears visually appealing or satisfactory, while "sounds good" is used to express agreement or acceptance of an idea or plan.
Yes, "looks good" can be used in scientific contexts, particularly when discussing the visual appearance of data or experimental results.
To summarize, the idiom "looks good" is a versatile expression used to convey approval or satisfaction with the appearance or quality of something. This neutral phrase can be applied across various settings and subjects, ranging from casual compliments to formal evaluations.
Key aspects of the phrase:
While the phrase is simple and widely recognized, it's important to remember that its usage implies a positive assessment of appearance or quality. Therefore, you should use it most appropriately when conveying approval, satisfaction, or a positive reaction. Whether complimenting an outfit, approving a presentation, or praising a meal - "looks good" is your go-to phrase for all of these.
