glimpse
[ glimps ]
/ glɪmps /
noun
verb (used with object), glimpsed, glimps·ing.
to catch or take a glimpse of.
verb (used without object), glimpsed, glimps·ing.
to look briefly; glance (usually followed by at).
Archaic.
to come into view; appear faintly.
Origin of glimpse
1350–1400; Middle English
glimsen (v.); cognate with Middle High German
glimsen to glow; akin to
glimmer
OTHER WORDS FROM glimpse
glimps·er, noun un·glimpsed, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH glimpse
glance glimpseWords nearby glimpse
Example sentences from the Web for glimpse
British Dictionary definitions for glimpse
glimpse
/ (ɡlɪmps) /
noun
a brief or incomplete view
to catch a glimpse of the sea
a vague indication
he had a glimpse of what the lecturer meant
archaic
a glimmer of light
verb
(tr)
to catch sight of briefly or momentarily
(intr usually foll by at) mainly US
to look (at) briefly or cursorily; glance (at)
(intr) archaic
to shine faintly; glimmer
Derived forms of glimpse
glimpser, nounWord Origin for glimpse
C14: of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German
glimsen to glimmer
usage for glimpse
Glimpse is sometimes wrongly used where
glance is meant:
he gave a quick glance (not
glimpse)
at his watch