Glimpsed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
👀
glimpsed
[ɡlɪmpt ]
Definition
sight observation
The term 'glimpsed' refers to catching a brief view of something, often in a fleeting manner. This happens when someone sees something quickly, not in great detail, but just enough to notice it. It implies a sense of transience and suggests the moment was unplanned or unexpected. The action typically involves visual perception and can be applied to various contexts, such as seeing a person in a crowd or a glimpse of nature while driving.
Synonyms
caught sight of, noticed, saw, spotted.
Examples of usage
- She glimpsed the deer through the trees.
- He glimpsed a familiar face in the crowd.
- I glimpsed the sunset while walking.
- As the bus pulled away, he glimpsed her wave goodbye.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'glimpsed'
The word 'glimpsed' is derived from the Middle English term 'glimssen,' which means to glimmer or to shine faintly. This term is related to the Old Norse word 'glimra,' which signifies to shine or gleam. The transition to the modern usage of 'glimpsed' evolved as the meaning shifted from a simple indication of light to a more specific reference to catching sight of something briefly. The suffix '-ed' indicates the past tense, showing completion of the action. The concept of a quick visibility became popular in English literature and daily communication, embodying the idea of momentary perception that aligns with how we experience many situations in life.