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 confusion offered a glimpse of the enormous task ahead, which would require a huge expansion of the scientists’ work.

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It’s only after my eyes readjust to the light that I get a good glimpse of it.

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Give him a sextant and a glimpse of the stars, and there was no chance of getting lost.

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Still, she was able to get a glimpse of Beowulf at his desk, chewing on some object that he quickly hid in his pocket.

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After they were asleep, she paced the nursery like the captain of a lost ship, waiting for some glimpse of a star to steer by.

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Related Words

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