Definition of „look“
Look – to look at something for a reason, with an intention – to deliberately direct your gaze at something with a purpose.
'Look at that strange man.'
'Look at the pictures I took on holiday.'
When we see something intentionally, we look at it. So we look at something with a reason, with an intention. „look“ has the central idea of paying attention to something or somebody.
e.g.: Look at the plane in the sky. Can you see?
Why are you looking at me like that?
Definition of „See“
See – to 'see' something that comes into our sight that we weren't looking for – to perceive something that appears before us without us actively seeking it.
'Did you see that bird?' – I wasn't looking for it, it just appeared.
'I saw you driving to work today.'
To see means to perceive anything in general. Seeing is unintentional. It is not your intention to see something. You see because you can perceive it with your eyes. You have the ability.
e.g.: I saw the man climbing the tree.
Since people are able to see, they can notice anything that comes into their sight. But when they want to pay attention to something or someone – or when we want them to direct their attention to something or someone – we say „look at the picture, the man, the bird, etc“.
„Definition of Watch“
Watch – to look at something carefully, usually something that is moving – to observe something attentively, typically something in motion.
'Watch TV' – the TV doesn't move, but you watch the moving images carefully.
'Watch where you are going! You almost stepped on my foot!'
When we look at something attentively that is moving, as if we are searching for something, we actually „watch“ it.
To watch something means to look at it as it moves, with an intention to do so.
e.g.: I wanted to see a movie. I am happy I am watching it.
Did you see the match?
„Yes“, I watched the whole match.
So when we watch something, we keep it under our careful observation.
Definition of „Stare“
Stare:
to look for a long time with the eyes wide open, especially when surprised or frightened – to fix your gaze on something for an extended period with wide-open eyes, out of surprise, amazement, or shock.
Don't stare at people like that, it's rude.
Chuck sat quietly for hours staring into the distance, thinking of what might have been.