cast about

Friendly

Explanation of "Cast About"

Definition: "Cast about" is a verb phrase that means to search for something or to look for an idea, solution, or option. It often implies a sense of urgency or anxiety in the search.

Usage Instructions:

1. Context: You can use "cast about" when talking about looking for answers, solutions, or even physical objects.
2. Form: It is often used in the past tense "cast about" or the present continuous "casting about."

Example Sentences:

• Simple Use: "When the teacher asked a difficult question, I cast about for the right answer."
• With Urgency: "She cast about for a place to hide when she heard the thunderstorm approaching."

Advanced Usage:

In more formal or literary contexts, "cast about" can be used to describe a thorough search or contemplation.

Word Variants:

While "cast about" itself does not have direct variants, you may encounter similar phrases such as: - "Cast around" – This means the same and can be used interchangeably. - "Cast" – This can refer to throwing something or a group of actors in a play.

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Search: To look around in a physical space.

   • Example: "He cast about the room for his lost keys."

2. Mental Search: To think or brainstorm for solutions or ideas.

   • Example: "She cast about for ways to improve her presentation."

Synonyms:

• Search
• Look around
• Seek
• Hunt
• Explore

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Cast in stone": Something that is fixed and cannot be changed.
• "Cast aside": To discard or ignore something.

Academic

Verb

1. search anxiously

Synonyms

• beat about
• cast around