glimpse

[glimps]

noun

1. a very brief, passing look, sight, or view.

2. a momentary or slight appearance.

3. a vague idea; inkling.

4. Archaic.,  a gleam, as of light.

verb (used with object)

glimpsed, glimpsing 

1. to catch or take a glimpse of.

   Synonyms: espy, sight, view, spy, spot

verb (used without object)

glimpsed, glimpsing 

1. to look briefly; glance (usually followed byat ).

2. Archaic.,  to come into view; appear faintly.

glimpse

/ ɡlɪmps /

noun

1. a brief or incomplete view

   to catch a glimpse of the sea

2. a vague indication

   he had a glimpse of what the lecturer meant

3. archaic,  a glimmer of light

verb

1. (tr) to catch sight of briefly or momentarily

2. to look (at) briefly or cursorily; glance (at)

3. archaic,  (intr) to shine faintly; glimmer

Usage

Glimpse is sometimes wrongly used where glance is meant: he gave a quick glance (not glimpse ) at his watch

Other Word Forms

• glimpser noun
• unglimpsed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glimpse¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English glimsen (verb); cognate with Middle High German glimsen “to glow”; akin to glimmer

Word History and Origins

Origin of glimpse¹

C14: of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German glimsen to glimmer

Example Sentences

The legal drama generated global attention and offered a graphic and often violent glimpse into the life of one of the nation’s most powerful music figures and his nearly billion-dollar enterprise.

From Los Angeles Times

“But she caught a glimpse of it and went crazy.”

From Los Angeles Times

The first episode also gives us a glimpse of Russ’ softer side when we see his childhood bedroom with all of his football trophies and old photos.

From Los Angeles Times

That was the first glimpse of a highly secretive international dog fighting syndicate - one which the BBC has spent the past six months investigating and exposing.

From BBC

Being injured in summertime can give a cricketer a glimpse into normal life.

From BBC

Related Words

• flash 
• glance 
• impression 
• peek 
• sight 
• sighting