Glimpse
/ɡlɪm(p)s/
Definitions
2 meaningsA momentary or partial view or look.
/ɡlɪm(p)s/
A brief, quick look.
I caught a glimpse of the ocean from the airplane window.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking and quickly see something cool, like a funny dog or a beautiful sunset, but it disappears fast. That quick look is a glimpse!
👶 For kids: A quick peek or look at something.
More Examples
She offered a brief glimpse of her new artwork.
He had a glimpse of her face as she hurried past.
How It's Used
"I caught a glimpse of the celebrity as she walked past."
"The novel offered a brief glimpse into the protagonist's past."
To see or perceive something briefly or partially.
/ɡlɪmps/
To see briefly or partially.
I glimpsed a rare bird in the forest.
💡 Simply: If you quickly look at something, like a cool car driving by, you're glimpsing it.
👶 For kids: To take a quick peek.
More Examples
She glimpsed the solution to the problem.
He glimpsed her standing by the window.
How It's Used
"I glimpsed his face in the crowd."
"The reader glimpsed the hero's inner turmoil."
Idioms & expressions
at a glimpse
Immediately upon seeing something; without careful inspection.
"At a glimpse, I could tell she was upset."
From Middle English glimpse, glempse, from Old English *glimsa* (attested only as *glimsae*), related to Old English *glimman* ('to gleam').
The word has been in use since the late 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a quick glance; a *glimpse* is like a lightning-fast snapshot with your eyes.