weary-looking
Meaning
having the appearance of being tired, bored, or lacking energy.
Structure
Usage
after the long meeting, the manager had a weary-looking expression.
the weary-looking hikers finally reached the mountain lodge.
she gave a weary-looking sigh as she reviewed the lengthy document.
Etymology
The compound adjective 'weary-looking' is a Modern English formation combining two elements of Germanic origin. 'weary' descends from Old English 'wērig', meaning 'tired' or 'worn out', a term with deep Germanic roots. 'looking' is the present participle of the verb 'look', from Old English 'lōcian', meaning 'to see or appear'. The compound follows a common English pattern where an adjective is combined with a present participle to describe a state or appearance, literally meaning 'appearing tired'. This transparent construction directly conveys its meaning through the clear semantic sum of its parts.
Analysis
weary (old english, adjective meaning 'tired'); looking (old english, present participle of 'look', meaning 'appearing')