Espy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
espy
[ ษชหspaษช ]
to see
To espy means to catch sight of something or someone, often in a quick or concealed manner. It implies a level of observation or detection, usually when something is not easily noticeable.
Synonyms
detect, notice, perceive, spot.
Examples of usage
- She espied a rare bird in the trees.
- He espied his friend across the crowded room.
- The detective espied a clue at the crime scene.
to discover
Espy can also refer to discovering or finding something unexpectedly, stressing the element of surprise in the observation.
Synonyms
discover, find, reveal, uncover.
Examples of usage
- They espied a hidden treasure in the cave.
- While hiking, he espied a beautiful waterfall.
- The scouts espied enemy troops in the distance.
Translations
Translations of the word "espy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น observar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฆเฅเคเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช beobachten
๐ฎ๐ฉ mengamati
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฟะพััะตััะณะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ obserwowaฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฆณๅฏใใ
๐ซ๐ท observer
๐ช๐ธ observar
๐น๐ท gรถzlemlemek
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ด์ฐฐํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุฑุงูุจุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ pozorovat
๐ธ๐ฐ pozorovaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ่งๅฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ opazovati
๐ฎ๐ธ fylgjast meรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะฐาัะปะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mรผลahidษ etmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ observar
Etymology
The word 'espy' dates back to the early 15th century, derived from the Middle English word 'espien,' which in turn comes from the Old French 'espier,' meaning 'to watch' or 'to look out.' The root can be traced to the Latin 'specere,' which means 'to look at.' Over time, 'espy' evolved to specifically convey the act of observing something discreetly or unexpectedly, often associated with a sense of curiosity or attentiveness. The term has been used in various literary contexts, often suggesting a level of keen observation or surveillance, reflecting its historical roots in watching or looking closely.