Skim over: meaning, definitions and examples

This phrase is used when you read something quickly and not in detail, often to get a general idea of the content. It indicates a quick and superficial interaction with the text.

• I only had time to skim over the report before the meeting.
• She skimmed over the article to catch the main points.

This term is used when you look over something carefully and quickly, often to find specific information. It suggests a more intentional search compared to 'skim over'.

• She scanned the text for any mentions of her name.
• I scanned the crowd for a familiar face.

Use this when you look quickly at something, usually to get a brief idea or to check something specific. This implies a very quick and casual look.

• He glanced through the magazine while waiting for his appointment.
• I just glanced through the instructions before starting.

This word is often used when you look through a variety of items or information without seeking anything specific. It can be applied to books, websites, stores, etc.

• I like to browse through bookstores on weekends.
• She was browsing the internet when she found the information.

As noted earlier, this term can also mean to quickly read through something without attention to detail.

• I skimmed over the instructions because I was in a hurry.
• He tends to skim over the emails and sometimes misses important information.

This is a general term used when you take something away or out of a place.

• Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
• They had to remove the old wallpaper before painting the room.

This term is often used when you take off a thin layer from the surface of a liquid.

• She used a spoon to skim off the fat from the soup.
• He carefully skimmed off the cream from the milk.