Stared vs. Starred: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Stared" is the past tense of the verb "to stare," meaning to look fixedly at something. "Starred" is the past tense of "to star," meaning to feature as a prominent performer or participant.
Key Differences
"Stared" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "to stare," which describes the act of looking intently or fixedly at something without blinking. It is an action that anyone can perform, regardless of context. On the other hand, "starred" is the past tense of the verb "to star," often used in the context of entertainment to signify a leading role in a performance. This is a term that implies prominence or centrality in an event or presentation.
The word "stared" is more universally applicable, meaning that you can stare at an object, a person, or even into space. The action is singular and requires only the person doing the staring. In contrast, "starred" implies a larger context—typically a production or event—in which one takes a leading or featured role.
While "stared" is often associated with a passive or observational action, "starred" denotes an active, participatory role. For instance, you might have stared at a beautiful painting, but you could have starred in a theatrical production. "Stared" doesn't necessarily imply any special talent, whereas "starred" often does.
Another critical difference between "stared" and "starred" is their grammatical usage. "Stared" is a verb and is commonly used to describe an action in a sentence. "Starred," while also a verb, often requires a complementary noun to specify the production or event in which someone starred. For example, "He starred in a movie."
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Verb
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Context
General
Entertainment/Special Events
Action Type
Passive
Active
Implies Special Role
No
Yes
Grammatical Complements
Rarely requires additional information
Often requires additional information
Stared and Starred Definitions
Stared
To watch closely or curiously.
He stared at the curious object.
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Starred
To perform as a leading role in a production.
She starred in a Broadway musical.
Stared
To look intently at something.
She stared at the painting.
Starred
To mark with a star symbol, often for importance or quality.
The movie was starred in the guide.
Stared
To gaze fixedly, often without blinking.
He stared into space.
Starred
A celestial body that generates light and other radiant energy and consists of a mass of gas held together by its own gravity in which the energy generated by nuclear reactions in the interior is balanced by the outflow of energy to the surface, and the inward-directed gravitational forces are balanced by the outward-directed gas and radiation pressures.
Stared
To direct one's eyes toward someone or something.
They stared at each other.
Starred
Any of the celestial bodies visible at night from Earth as relatively stationary, usually twinkling points of light.
Stared
To look at something for an extended period.
I stared at the equation, trying to solve it.
Starred
Something regarded as resembling such a celestial body.
Stared
To look directly, fixedly, or vacantly, often with a wide-eyed gaze.
Starred
A graphic design having five or more radiating points, often used as a symbol of rank or merit.
Stared
To look at directly and fixedly
Stared him in the eyes.
Starred
An artistic performer or athlete whose leading role or superior performance is acknowledged.
Stared
An intent gaze.
Starred
One who is highly celebrated in a field or profession.
Stared
Simple past tense and past participle of stare
Starred
An asterisk (*).
Starred
The star key on a telephone
For customer service, press star.
Starred
A white spot on the forehead of a horse.
Starred
A planet or constellation of the zodiac believed in astrology to influence personal destiny.
Starred
Stars The future; destiny. Often used with the.
Starred
Outstanding or famous, especially in performing something
A star researcher.
A star figure skater.
Starred
Of or relating to a star or stars.
Starred
To ornament with stars.
Starred
To award or mark with a star for excellence.
Starred
To mark with an asterisk.
Starred
To present or feature (a performer) in a leading role.
Starred
To play the leading role in a theatrical or film production.
Starred
To do an outstanding job; perform excellently.
Starred
Simple past tense and past participle of star
Starred
Having a star or stars.
A Michelin-starred restaurant
Starred
Adorned or studded with stars; bespangled.
Starred
Influenced in fortune by the stars.
My third comfort,Starred most unluckily.
Starred
Marked with an asterisk;
The starred items
Starred
To feature prominently in an event or situation.
He starred in the championship game.
Starred
To play the main role in a film, play, or show.
They starred in a sitcom together.
Starred
To be the central figure or point of interest.
The recipe starred fresh vegetables.
FAQs
What does stared mean?
Stared is the past tense of the verb "to stare," which means to look fixedly at something.
What does starred mean?
Starred is the past tense of "to star," indicating a prominent role in a performance or event.
Does starred always refer to entertainment?
Mostly, but it can also refer to being prominently featured in other contexts.
Is staring always passive?
Generally, staring is considered a passive action.
Can stared imply a special role?
No, stared is usually a passive action and doesn't imply a special role.
Can you stare at an event?
You can stare at something occurring at an event, but you don't stare "in" an event.
Can you star at an object?
No, you can't "star" at an object; you star "in" a production or event.
Is starring an active role?
Yes, starring typically implies an active, prominent role.
Is stared a verb?
Yes, stared is a verb.
Is starred a verb?
Yes, starred is also a verb.
Can both words be used interchangeably?
No, stared and starred have distinct meanings and applications.
Is stared applicable in entertainment contexts?
It can be, but it doesn't imply a special role like "starred" does.
Is starring applicable in general contexts?
Rarely, it's mostly used to signify a special or leading role.
Do you need additional information with stared?
Rarely, the verb "stared" usually stands alone.
Do you need additional information with starred?
Often, as it usually specifies the production or event in which someone starred.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
