Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. a vague indication
   • he caught only a glimpse of the professor's meaning
2. a brief or incomplete view
   • from the window he could catch a glimpse of the lake
3. a quick look

Verb

1. catch a glimpse of or see briefly
   • We glimpsed the Queen as she got into her limousine