Glanced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
glanced
[ษกlรฆnst ]
Definition
quick look
To glance is to take a brief or quick look at something or someone. It often implies a swift movement of the eyes in the direction of the object of interest, without a prolonged gaze. People frequently glance at their watches, screens, or other individuals to gain quick information or assess a situation. A glance can convey feelings or intentions, often in a subtle manner that may not require verbal communication.
Synonyms
gaze, glimpse, look, peek, view.
Examples of usage
- She glanced at her watch and hurried out the door.
- He gave a quick glance around the room to see who was there.
- The teacher glanced at the students to check if they were paying attention.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that our brains process images faster than words, making quick looks an essential part of how we understand our surroundings.
- Glancing can help prioritize attention, as we quickly assess what is important in a visual environment.
Literature
- Many authors use quick glances to convey a character's hastiness or urgency, making the scene more dynamic.
- In poetry, a glance can symbolize fleeting moments or lost opportunities, adding depth to the emotional experience.
Pop Culture
- In movies, the quick glance between characters can signal attraction or tension without any dialogue.
- Music videos often use quick cuts and glances to create a sense of rhythm and movement in storytelling.
Science
- Research indicates that humans can detect motion and recognize familiar objects within just a fraction of a second of glancing.
- Glancing activates different brain regions related to visual processing, highlighting the brain's efficiency in interpreting brief stimuli.
Origin of 'glanced'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'glancen', meaning 'to glance' or 'to look quickly'.
- It has roots in the Old Norse word 'glansa', which means 'to shine' or 'to gleam', reflecting the quickness of the action.
The word 'glance' has its origins in the late Middle English period, deriving from the verb 'glanzen', which meant to shine or gleam. This term itself evolved from the Old English word 'glรฆnnan', which referred to a flash of light or brightness. Over time, the meaning shifted to represent the act of looking quickly at something. The concept of a brief look became associated with the idea of taking in visual information efficiently and in a moment, rather than engaging in a detailed examination. 'Glance' began to appear in written texts in the 14th century, and since then, it has maintained its usage in both everyday conversation and literary works, embodying the essence of ephemeral observation.