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, glimps·ing.

1. to catch or take a glimpse of.

   Synonyms: espy, sight, view, spy, spot

verb (used without object)

, glimpsed, glimps·ing.

1. to look briefly; glance (usually followed by at ).
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. intrusually foll byat 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

Derived Forms

• ˈglimpser, noun

Other Words From

• glimpser noun
• un·glimpsed 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

Just for a glimpse, you can find potential customers based on the traits of your existing customers or the customers of your competitors.

From Search Engine Watch

A quick glimpse of the interface in the video really does look a lot like you’d expect an in-game character design tool to look.

From Popular-Science

While multiple causes were at play, the spatial disorientation factor offers a glimpse at the ways in which a person’s senses can deceive them, especially if they’re flying an aircraft.

From Popular-Science

Sewer tests are now providing a direct glimpse of just how many people are infected with the variant in some cities.

From MIT Technology Review

The horrors of the past year have given us a brief glimpse into what it’s like to live in a world ravaged by infectious disease.

From Vox

Buzzfeed shows us a potentially terrifying glimpse of the future.

From The Daily Beast

At his year-end, pre-Hawaii press conference, we caught a rare glimpse of peak Obama.

From The Daily Beast

The tumult was such that young Sarah had cause to worry that she might not get even a glimpse of Will and Kate.

From The Daily Beast

On the back cover of the first paperback edition we get a glimpse of the media buzz.

From The Daily Beast

Not until someone catches on video one small glimpse of your everyday reality and even then, can you get justice?

From The Daily Beast

Just as it disappeared from view he caught a glimpse of a charming little girl, peeping out of a latticed window beside the door.

From Project Gutenberg

While the door was open he caught a glimpse of the street outside—and of Glavis on the sidewalk below.

From Project Gutenberg

Lawrence mingled with the crowd, and as he read he felt a bulky envelope thrust in his hand and caught a glimpse of a dusky arm.

From Project Gutenberg

Isabel had a glimpse of a delicate high-bred face set like a panel in a parted curtain.

From Project Gutenberg

Black Sheep climbed into bed feeling that he had lost Heaven after a glimpse through the gates.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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