at first sight
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- Immediately upon first seeing or encountering something or someone: Used to describe an immediate reaction, impression, or judgment formed the very first time something is seen or experienced.
Usage
- This phrase is used to emphasize the speed and initial nature of a reaction, often an emotional or judgmental one. It is commonly used in the fixed expression "love at first sight."
- It typically modifies an entire clause or follows a linking verb like "was."
Examples
- Adverb:
- It was love at first sight when they met at the party. (Their romantic feelings began immediately when they saw each other.)
- The problem seemed simple at first sight, but it was actually very complex. (The initial impression was of simplicity.)
- He knew at first sight that the painting was a forgery. (He recognized it as a fake immediately upon seeing it.)
Advanced Usage
- "At first sight" vs. "On first sight": Both are generally interchangeable, with "at first sight" being slightly more common, especially in the idiom "love at first sight."
- Used to introduce a contrast between an initial impression and a later, deeper understanding.
- At first sight, the agreement appears fair, but the details reveal significant problems.
Variants and Related Words
- At first glance: A very similar phrase meaning "after a quick look," often used interchangeably with "at first sight" for non-romantic contexts.
- At first glance, the data supports our theory.
- First impression: The initial opinion formed about someone or something.
Synonyms
- Immediately: At once; instantly.
- Upon first view: When first seen.
- On the face of it: Based on the first impression.
Related Idioms
- Love at first sight: An idiom describing the experience of falling in love immediately upon seeing someone for the first time.
- Their story is a classic tale of love at first sight.