Look quickly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Look quickly

⏩

Add to dictionary

look quickly

[lʊk ˈkwɪkli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To direct one's gaze quickly in a particular direction.

Synonyms

glance, glimpse, peek, peeked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glance	Glance is used when you want to take a quick look at something without focusing too much on it. It is often intentional. She glanced at her watch to check the time. He threw a quick glance at the book on the table.
glimpse	Glimpse is used when you see something for a very short moment, often accidentally and briefly. She caught a glimpse of him as he walked through the door. I only got a glimpse of the deer before it ran away into the forest.
peek	Peek is used when you take a quick, often sneaky, look at something, usually when trying to do so unnoticed. He peeked through the curtains to see who was outside. She couldn't resist peeking at her birthday presents.
peeked	Peeked is the past tense of peek. It's used to describe having taken a quick, secret look. She peeked into the box to see if the gift was inside. He peeked over the wall to see what was happening on the other side.

Examples of usage

She looked quickly over her shoulder to see who was following her.
He looked quickly at his watch before rushing out the door.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

manner

To perform an action with speed or haste.

Synonyms

hastily, rapidly, speedily, swiftly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hastily	Implies doing something with urgency and often carelessness, typically used in situations where there may be a negative outcome due to the rushed nature. He hastily wrote his exam answers, making many mistakes
swiftly	Implies prompt and efficient action, frequently used to suggest smoothness and effectiveness. The car moved swiftly through the empty streets
rapidly	Conveys a sense of high speed but without the implication of carelessness, often used in scientific or formal contexts. The virus spread rapidly through the community
speedily	Similar to 'quickly,' but can sometimes sound more formal or old-fashioned; often used in formal communications. The repairs were completed speedily to ensure customer satisfaction

Examples of usage

She looked quickly through the documents to find the relevant information.
He looked quickly around the room for a place to hide.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Human eyes have a limited field of view, and quick looks help us identify important details in our environment rapidly.
Research shows that quick glances can enhance memory retention by focusing on key elements rather than details.
The brain can process visual information in as little as 13 milliseconds when looking quickly.

Photography

In photography, a quick look can determine whether a shot is worth capturing, emphasizing the importance of instinct.
To capture moments quickly, photographers often use burst mode, taking multiple pictures in rapid succession.
The technique of 'candids' relies on capturing genuine moments during a quick look, making them feel more authentic.

Cultural Expressions

The phrase 'look quickly' is often used in storytelling to create tension, urging characters to act fast.
In various cultures, urgency in actions like looking quickly can signify importance, sometimes forewarning of danger or opportunity.
Quick glances in art and cinema often symbolize fleeting moments or critical turning points in narratives.

Origin of 'look quickly'

Main points about word origin

The word 'look' comes from Old English 'loka', meaning to see or observe.
The word 'quickly' is derived from Old English 'cwic', meaning alive or living, which evolved to mean fast.
Together, the phrase emphasizes both seeing and speed, showcasing the importance of immediate perception.

The word 'look' can be traced back to the Old English word 'lōcian', meaning 'to see, behold'. The addition of 'quickly' as an adverb to 'look' emphasizes the speed or haste with which the action is performed. Over time, 'look quickly' has become a common expression in the English language to describe a swift or hasty action of gazing or observing.