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 world at large ... usually gets its first glimpse of a totalitarian movement through its front organizations.

From Salon

If you need another reason to see a revival that I cannot praise enough, let me add that this musical offers a profound glimpse of how history can overtake us, altering reality in ways that are hard to imagine.

From Los Angeles Times

One twitcher who made an early morning journey from London described catching a glimpse of the creature as "exhilarating".

From BBC

Who knows, you might even glimpse Arnold Schwarzenegger or Owen Wilson pedal past you on a bike.

From Los Angeles Times

Guests are encouraged to come in outfits inspired by the show — Warner Bros. is promising trivia contests and 3 p.m. costume meetups — and key to the “Gilmore Girls” Christmas spirit will be a glimpse of a Bjork-inspired snowperson.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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