Definition
To look at something or someone; to direct your eyes toward a person, place, or thing.
Example
Los niños miran las estrellas desde el patio.
Show translation
The children look at the stars from the yard.
Etymology
From Latin *mirare*, meaning "to wonder at" or "to look at with admiration," derived from *mirus* ("wonderful, astonishing"). Its sense narrowed over time from "to marvel at" to simply "to look at," as everyday looking no longer required wonder.
Cultural note
Spanish has two common verbs for looking: *mirar* (to look at, to watch) and *ver* (to see). The distinction matters: *Miro la televisión* means "I watch TV" (actively directing attention), while *Veo la televisión* means "I see the TV" (it happens to be in view). Confusing them is a classic false-step for English speakers, since English uses "watch" and "see" similarly but not identically. In Spain, *¡Mira!* is also used as an interjection ("Look!" / "Listen here!"), much like Italian *guarda* or French *regarde*.