Quick look Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quick look

[kwɪk lʊk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

at a glance

A quick look is a brief and rapid examination or observation of something, usually done without much detail or depth.

Synonyms

glance, glimpse, peek, scan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quick look	Use 'quick look' when you briefly check something without focusing too much on the details. I took a quick look at the report before the meeting
glance	Use 'glance' when you look at something quickly and then look away, often unintentionally. She glanced at her watch and realized she was late
glimpse	Use 'glimpse' when you briefly see something or someone, often not clearly or not for long. He caught a glimpse of the celebrities through the crowd
peek	Use 'peek' when you look at something quickly and secretly, often implying curiosity. The children peeked through the curtains to see the gifts
scan	Use 'scan' when you look over something systematically, often to find specific information. She scanned the document for any errors

Examples of usage

He took a quick look at the report before the meeting.
She gave a quick look around the room to see if anyone was there.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

rapidly observe

To quick look means to glance or briefly observe something in a rapid and cursory manner.

Synonyms

glance, glimpse, peek, scan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quick look	Use in informal settings when you want to briefly check something without thorough examination. I took a quick look at my calendar to see if I was free. Give the document a quick look before we discuss it.
glance	Used when referring to a very brief look, often casual and without concentration. She glanced at her watch before standing up. He glanced around the room but didn't see anyone he knew.
glimpse	Implies a fleeting or incomplete look at something, often accidental or spontaneous. I caught a glimpse of the celebrity as they entered the building. He got a glimpse of the mountain through the clouds.
peek	Often used when someone looks at something secretly or quickly without being noticed. Can have a playful or mischievous connotation. She peeked through the curtains to see who was outside. The kids took a peek at their presents before Christmas morning.
scan	Indicates a more systematic or thorough look at something, usually to find specific information. He scanned the document for any errors. She scanned the crowd for her friends.

Examples of usage

I just need to quick look at the document to find the information I need.
She quick looked at her watch before hurrying out the door.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Communication

In conversations, a quick look at someone's facial expressions can reveal their feelings.
People often use rapid scanning techniques to absorb important information quickly in meetings or lectures.

Technology

Many apps and websites have 'quick look' features that allow users to preview items without fully opening them, saving time.
Smartphones often use quick look functionalities in photo galleries, letting users view images without fully loading them.

Psychology

The ability to form quick impressions of others can rely heavily on non-verbal cues, which are processed in just milliseconds.
Quick looks can be both beneficial and misleading; first impressions are often formed rapidly but can change with more information.

Art

In art critique, a quick look might focus on overall composition rather than fine details, influencing how pieces are initially received.
Artists may purposely create works that invite quick glances, using bold colors and forms to capture immediate attention.

Education

Students often use mnemonic devices to create quick reviews before exams, employing brief overviews instead of detailed revisions.
Quick look strategies are encouraged in reading, emphasizing scanning for keywords to gather main ideas before deep diving into content.

Origin of 'quick look'

The term 'quick look' originated from the idea of swiftly examining or observing something without much detail. It is often used in informal or casual contexts to refer to a brief inspection or glance. The phrase has been commonly used in everyday language to convey the concept of taking a rapid and cursory look at something.