Glimpse

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Glimpse

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

glimps  /ɡlɪmps/

Definition

As a noun: a brief or partial view; a fleeting look at something. As a verb: to see or perceive briefly or partially.

Plain meaning

A glimpse is a quick, partial look — you catch a glimpse of something that passes quickly or is only briefly or partially visible. To glimpse is to see briefly.

Register

Neutral and widely used. The noun is slightly more literary; the verb to glimpse is common in descriptive and narrative writing. Both are entirely natural in everyday speech.