glimpse
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɡlɪmps/
KK: /ɡlɪmps/
intransitive verb
Definition
To look at something for a very short time.
Example
She glimpsed the sunset as she drove home.
Tense Forms
Past: glimpsed
Past Participle: glimpsed
Conversation
Did you get a glimpse of that new cafe downtown?
Yeah, I saw it briefly while walking by yesterday.
It looked really cute from what I could tell in my glimpse.
I want to check it out this weekend!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
glance
peek
scan
Antonyms
stare
gaze
ignore
noun
Definition
A short or quick look at something that does not show everything clearly.
Example
She caught a glimpse of the sunset before it disappeared behind the clouds.
Conversation
Did you catch a glimpse of the sunset yesterday?
I did! It was so beautiful, right?
Yeah, I only saw a quick glimpse while driving.
transitive verb
Definition
To see something for a very short time or only partially.
Example
She caught a glimpse of the sunset before it disappeared behind the clouds.
Tense Forms
Past: glimpsed
Past Participle: glimpsed
Conversation
I caught a quick glimpse of the new café downtown yesterday.
Oh really? What did it look like?
It seemed cozy, but I only saw it through the window.
Root Explanation
Glimpse → The word originates from Middle English 'glimpsen', which is derived from the Old English 'glimpsian', meaning to glance or to see briefly. It describes the act of catching a brief or fleeting view of something.
Memory Tip
Think of quickly 'glancing' at something — that's what a glimpse means, a brief look.
Visually Confused Words
unglimpsed