Glancing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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glancing
[ˈɡlɑːnsɪŋ ]
Definitions
quick look
To glance is to take a brief or hurried look at something. It implies a casual or fleeting observation rather than a thorough examination.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She glanced at the clock to check the time.
- He took a quick glance at the report before the meeting.
- The cat glanced outside at the passing birds.
brief sight
A glance is a quick or brief look at something. It often suggests a brief viewing that yields minimal information.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He took a glance at the menu before ordering.
- She gave him a glance of disapproval.
- With one quick glance, she noticed the changes.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Quick looks are often linked to our brain's way of quickly processing visual information, which helps with decision-making.
- Studies show that glancing at something can create a powerful first impression, even if further details are missed.
- People tend to recall images or scenes they glanced at for a brief moment, indicating how our memory captures fleeting glimpses.
Literature
- Authors often use brief glances as literary devices to create suspense or tension, allowing readers to fill in the gaps.
- In poetry, glancing can symbolize the transient nature of beauty or love, reflecting moments that are here and gone.
- Classic novels frequently feature characters who glance wistfully at something to communicate their inner thoughts without words.
Pop Culture
- Many films employ glancing shots to build mystery or intrigue, leaving audiences curious about what's happening in the periphery.
- Social media platforms are designed to encourage glances at images or videos, promoting rapid consumption of content.
- Glancing has become a popular theme in music videos, often highlighting fleeting moments of connection or emotion.
Biology
- The human eye is built to facilitate quick glances, with muscles allowing swift movement across different areas of vision.
- Glancing at a potential threat can trigger the fight-or-flight response, demonstrating its importance for survival.
- Animals use glancing behaviors to stay aware of their environment and detect predators or prey quickly.
Origin of 'glancing'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated from Middle English, derived from the word 'glance', which meant to shine or gleam.
- It also comes from the Old French word 'glancer', meaning 'to shoot or dart', reflecting the swift motion of looking.
- In literature, the evolution of the word has been linked to its association with light and movement, indicating a fleeting perception.
The word 'glance' originates from the Middle English term 'glancen', which itself derives from the Old Norse 'glansa', meaning 'to shine' or 'to gleam'. The concept of a quick look or glance reflects the ephemeral nature of sight, suggesting a fleeting moment where the eye catches something transient. The shift from the idea of shining to the act of looking indicates how humans associate the idea of observation with the brightness of light and quickness, as both actions require some level of immediacy and brevity. As the language evolved, the meanings expanded, but the core idea remained focused on brief and often casual observation, encapsulating the nature of human visual experience.