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

The men’s lawyers believe they have a case for a failure to disclose medical records and, at worst, may have had glimpses of a cover-up locked in the bowels of military archives.

From BBC

Hearing her speak in this way gives me a glimpse of a toughness that belies her well-spoken, gentle demeanour.

From BBC

They were grainy, but gave Earthlings a glimpse at the Moon from a different angle.

From BBC

She told Politico in 2020 that she gained her "first glimpse into the world of press" through these experiences.

From BBC

Mr Gregson says he had had people knocking on his door and asking to try to catch a glimpse from his garden, but felt that was a step too far.

From BBC

Related Words

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