Glimpse

A brief, fleeting look or view of something. It implies a partial or incomplete observation, often happening unexpectedly or quickly. A glimpse can provide a limited understanding or impression, and the object or scene observed may be distant or obscured. The act of glimpsing suggests a rapid encounter that is often insufficient for a detailed examination or a full understanding. It is often associated with a moment of revelation or discovery, where something previously unseen or unknown becomes briefly apparent. The brevity of a glimpse can also heighten its impact, creating a lasting memory or inspiring further curiosity.

Glimpse meaning with examples

• As the train sped through the countryside, she caught a glimpse of a majestic castle perched on a hilltop. The fleeting view was enough to ignite her imagination, filling her with thoughts of medieval history and secret passages. The sudden beauty of the structure prompted her to make a note to explore the castle at a later point.
• He only got a glimpse of the suspect's face before they disappeared into the crowd, but it was enough to give the police a basic description to start their investigation. The quick visual scan of the individual's face would become the foundation upon which the police formed their actions.
• Through the blurry window, she caught a glimpse of the sunrise painting the sky with vibrant colors. The momentary spectacle of the sunrise, although fleeting, immediately boosted her mood, and she felt ready for the day ahead. It was an example of a pleasant event which helped her.
• In the thick fog, he managed to catch a glimpse of a ship's mast before it vanished again. This quick insight would prove invaluable later on as the ship became visible again. This brief display helped direct his movements with an important degree of success