Small-eyed

Describing a person or animal whose eyes are noticeably small in proportion to their face. This can sometimes suggest an appearance of being cautious, shrewd, or even, in certain contexts, untrustworthy. The term primarily focuses on the physical characteristic of eye size, rather than necessarily inferring character traits, although those associations frequently exist. The descriptor can apply to a wide range of individuals and creatures, from humans and mammals to birds and reptiles. It's important to consider context and additional descriptive elements when interpreting the term's significance.

Small-eyed meaning with examples

• The old badger was small-eyed, its dark orbs peering cautiously from behind its mask of fur. It moved with a quiet intensity, as if constantly assessing its surroundings. This particular trait of the badger, the smallness of its eyes, added to its air of wisdom and age. This was a badger of vast experience, whose small-eyed gaze held memories of countless seasons.
• The merchant, a small-eyed man with a calculating look, carefully examined the gold coins before agreeing to the trade. His eyes, though physically small, seemed to miss nothing; he meticulously counted the pieces and weighed the gold with a critical eye. He had no intention of being scammed. The smallness of his eyes, a striking facial feature, reinforced his air of attentiveness.
• The small-eyed sparrow flitted amongst the branches, its tiny form practically disappearing within the dense foliage. It constantly scanned for signs of danger, using its small eyes to observe for predators. The bird's compact eyes, perfectly adapted to a life of constant vigilance, gave it incredible visual acuity. It used its small-eyed gaze to gather the sustenance it needed to survive in the forest.
• The portrait depicted a small-eyed king, his gaze unwavering and piercing. The artist had meticulously captured the essence of the ruler, including the characteristic small eyes. He was, in a word, powerful. His small eyes exuded an unmistakable air of authority and suspicion, conveying a complex sense of shrewdness and power.