Doe-eyed

Doe-eyed describes a person, typically a woman or child, with large, innocent, and wide-set eyes, reminiscent of a doe or deer. This characteristic often conveys a look of naiveté, vulnerability, and sometimes, wide-eyed wonder. It can also imply a sense of gentleness and sweetness in a person's expression, although this perception can be subjective and context-dependent. The phrase emphasizes the visual aspect of the eyes rather than describing the overall personality, however, can be used to infer innocence or a passive nature.

Doe-eyed meaning with examples

• The little girl, with her long, flowing hair and doe-eyed gaze, looked up at her mother with a hopeful smile, wanting a new toy. It was hard to resist her charming expression and the way her eyes seemed to sparkle with anticipation. She knew exactly how to get what she wanted.
• In the Victorian novel, the heroine's doe-eyed appearance was often emphasized to highlight her delicate nature. The author used this feature to create a sense of her vulnerability within the social constraints of the time. It was a powerful tool for characterizing a woman's personality and placing them within a given era.
• Despite her tough exterior, the stray puppy's doe-eyed look melted Sarah's heart, and she immediately decided to adopt it. The way it peered up with such innocent openness made her ignore all reason and immediately offer it a home. It was the best decision she had ever made.
• The young actress, with her fresh face and doe-eyed stare, was chosen to play the ingenue role. The director felt that the young woman's looks perfectly captured the character's youth and romantic nature, making her immediately appealing to the audience. Her appearance was everything.