glimpse

Pluralglimpses

Formsglimpses, glimpsing, glimpsed

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A quick, partial look at someone or something.

   Like seeing something for just a second before it's gone.

   I caught a glimpse of her face in the crowd.

   From the train window we got a quick glimpse of the sea.

   Similarglance, peek, gander

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To see someone or something for a very short time, not fully.

   Like spotting a friend in a crowd for just a second.

   Drivers can glimpse the ocean as they round the bend.

   I glimpsed my old friend across the busy street.

   Similarspot, spy, sight, see

3. 3
   verbfigurativelytransitive

   To start to understand something hidden or unclear, but only a little and briefly.

   Like seeing a tiny bit of an idea before it slips away.

   In her smile I glimpsed the truth she was hiding.

   For a moment we could glimpse what life might be like after the war.

   Similarsense, perceive, discern, grasp

   Note
4. 4
   nounfigurativelycountable

   A small, unclear idea or feeling about something.

   Like having just a tiny hint of an answer.

   I had a glimpse of what he was planning, but no details.

   Her question gave me a glimpse of the problem ahead.

   Similarinkling, idea, sense, insight, notion

   Note
5. 5
   verbintransitive

   To look quickly at something, only for a short time.

   Like taking a fast peek at something.

   She glimpsed at the clock and hurried out.

   He could only glimpse at the painting before the gallery closed.

   Similarglance, peek, look

   Note
6. 6
   verbintransitive

   To shine with a weak, shaky light.

   A tiny lamp glimpses in the window of the old cabin all night.

   Stars glimpse faintly through the thin clouds.

   Similarshine, shimmer, gleam, glisten, sparkle

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 11