Peek Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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peek
peek
Definition
to take a quick look
To peek means to take a quick look or glance, usually in a secretive or sly manner. It is often done to see something without being noticed or to satisfy curiosity.
Synonyms
glance, peekaboo, sneak a look, spy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| peek |
Used when you look quickly or secretly at something you are not supposed to see. Often implies curiosity or eagerness.
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| glance |
Used when looking quickly or briefly at something. It often implies a casual or non-intrusive look.
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| spy |
Used when observing someone or something secretly, often for gathering information. It can also imply deceit or suspicion. Has a negative connotation.
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| sneak a look |
Used when you carefully and secretly look at something, typically because you are not supposed to. It suggests a deliberate and cautious action.
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| peekaboo |
A playful game often played with children, where one person hides their face and then suddenly reveals it, saying 'peekaboo'.
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Examples of usage
- He peeked around the corner to see if anyone was coming.
- She peeked through the keyhole to see what was happening inside.
- Don't peek at your presents before Christmas!
- I caught him peeking at my phone when I left the room.
- The child peeked out from behind the tree to see if the coast was clear.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “peek”
Peek is a 1-syllable verb. It is pronounced /ˈpik/ in American English and /pˈiːk/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #19,917 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'peek'
The word 'peek' originated from Middle English 'piken', which means 'to look quickly'. Over time, the word evolved to 'peek' with a similar meaning of taking a quick look. The usage of 'peek' in English language dates back to the 14th century. It has maintained its definition of a quick, usually furtive, glance over the centuries.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #19,917, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 19914 pumice
- 19916 communique
- 19917 peek
- 19918 blotting
- 19919 dependability
- 19920 venerated
- ...