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

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

For the younger acts he called into the studio, “GNX” was a rare glimpse behind the curtain to see how Lamar works.

From Los Angeles Times

The men appeared before the court in groups of five to seven over 10 weeks — offering only small glimpses into each man’s life.

From New York Times

But against Newcastle they showed glimpses of what they are capable of going forwards, attacking with pace and in numbers while they were clinical with their chances.

From BBC

We catch glimpses of his reflection in windows but never really see him until he arrives at Nickel and meets Turner, to whom the POV suddenly switches.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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