Meaning of Word
Glimpse refers to a brief or partial view of something, often occurring quickly and fleetingly.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Glimpse (noun): A quick or brief look at something or someone.
- Glimpse (verb): To see something or someone for a short moment, often without a clear or detailed view.
- Meaning in English: As a noun, it refers to a brief visual encounter. As a verb, it refers to catching sight of something or someone for a short, often incomplete moment.
History and Origin
The word glimpse originates from the Middle English word “glimsen” or “glimpsen,” meaning “to shine faintly” or “to appear dimly.” The term was used to describe something seen dimly or briefly. Over time, it evolved to mean a quick or partial look. Its roots can be traced to the Old Norse word “glim,” meaning “a flicker of light,” which is connected to the idea of something being seen in a fleeting manner.
Detailed Explanation
A glimpse is a brief, often incomplete view of something, typically seen in passing. It may be a momentary look at a person, object, or scene that doesn’t provide a full or clear understanding of what is being observed. People can get a glimpse of something when it is not fully in view or is seen too quickly to capture in detail. In some cases, a glimpse may be intentional (such as a sneak peek at something), but often it happens unexpectedly. The term can also be used metaphorically to refer to a small or partial understanding of a situation or concept.
Example Sentences
- She caught a glimpse of her friend through the crowd.
- The glimpse of the sunset from the mountaintop was breathtaking.
- I only had a brief glimpse of the movie before I had to leave.
- As the car sped by, I saw a quick glimpse of the famous landmark.
- He tried to get a glimpse of the secret document but was quickly caught.
- I managed to get a glimpse of the surprise party preparations.
- The glimpse of her smile brightened his day.
- He had a glimpse into her life, though he didn’t understand everything.
- The detective caught a glimpse of the suspect as he turned the corner.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Glance – A quick look, similar to a glimpse, but may imply a more deliberate or intentional action.
- Peek – A brief and often secretive look at something, similar to a glimpse.
- Sight – A view or the act of seeing, but usually refers to a more complete or intentional observation.
- View – A broader term for seeing or looking at something, often longer than a glimpse.
- Flash – A very brief, sudden visual impression, akin to a glimpse, often fast and fleeting.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Vision – The ability to see, which can involve both glimpses and more focused observations.
- Perception – The way something is understood or seen, sometimes based on a glimpse or limited information.
- Observance – The act of observing or noticing, which may include catching a glimpse of something.
- Recognition – The act of identifying something, which might come from a glimpse or partial observation.
- Insight – A deeper understanding of a situation, which can stem from a brief glimpse of something important.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Glimmer – A faint or dim light, suggesting something seen briefly or in part, similar to a glimpse.
- Flicker – A brief and unsteady light, which can be compared to a glimpse of something seen briefly or intermittently.
- Peekaboo – A game involving quick appearances, akin to offering someone a glimpse of something hidden.
- Catch – To momentarily see or observe something, often related to getting a glimpse.
- Flash – A sudden and brief exposure to something, much like a glimpse of an event or object.
Antonyms
- Stare – A long, steady look, opposite of a glimpse.
- Gaze – A prolonged look, often implying attention and focus, unlike a glimpse.
- Glance – While similar, a glance is typically more deliberate and controlled, unlike the fleeting nature of a glimpse.
- Survey – To examine or look at something in detail, opposite of a quick, incomplete glimpse.
- Stint – A limited or restrained amount of time, contrasting with the quickness of a glimpse.
