glimpse
/glimps/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A very brief, incomplete, or quick view of something: A "glimpse" is a momentary or passing sight of something, often not allowing for a full or detailed observation.
- A faint or vague indication or understanding: A "glimpse" can also refer to a slight, incomplete insight into a concept, feeling, or situation.
Verb:
- To see something or someone very briefly and incompletely: To "glimpse" means to catch a momentary sight of something, often by chance.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- I only caught a glimpse of the bird before it flew away.
- The report offered a glimpse into the company's future plans.
- Verb:
- She glimpsed a figure moving in the shadows.
- We glimpsed the ocean between the trees.
Advanced Usage
- "to catch/get a glimpse of": This is the most common collocation for the noun form, meaning to manage to see something briefly.
- Tourists crowded the street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the celebrity.
- "a fleeting glimpse": Emphasizes the extremely brief and transient nature of the sight.
- He had only a fleeting glimpse of the car's license plate.
- "a tantalizing glimpse": Suggests a brief view that creates a strong desire to see or know more.
- The trailer gave us a tantalizing glimpse of the new film.
Variants and Related Words
- Glimmer (noun/verb): A faint or wavering light; a faint sign of something. While similar to "glimpse" in suggesting something faint, "glimmer" often refers to light or hope.
- A glimmer of moonlight.
- A glimmer of understanding.
Synonyms
- Noun: Glance, peek, sighting, flash.
- Verb: Spot, sight, catch sight of, espy.
Related Phrases
- "A glimpse of the future": A brief insight into what may happen.
- The new technology provides a glimpse of the future.
- "A glimpse behind the scenes": A brief look at the normally hidden workings of something.
- The documentary offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the restaurant.
Idioms
- "A glimpse of heaven": Used to describe a moment of extreme beauty or pleasure.
- Seeing the sunset over the mountains was a glimpse of heaven.
Noun
- a vague indication
- he caught only a glimpse of the professor's meaning
- a brief or incomplete view
- from the window he could catch a glimpse of the lake
- a quick look
Verb
- catch a glimpse of or see briefly
- We glimpsed the Queen as she got into her limousine