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

There’s only been glimpses of that player over the season’s first month.

From Los Angeles Times

Even though I’ve published a memoir and works of fiction that allow readers a glimpse into my life, I still have parts of myself that I don’t want anyone to see.

From Los Angeles Times

Behind a door deep within the lower floors of the National Library of Scotland lies a forgotten street which gives a glimpse of how Edinburgh looked centuries ago.

From BBC

"We have these games against the best opposition to work on those things. I think we've seen glimpses of really positive signs," said Greenwood.

From BBC

Watching the band in the Plaza Hotel and fans in the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols, you can’t help but get swept up in a 60-year-old fervor.

From New York Times

Related Words

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