Glance

Definition

Glance refers to a quick or brief look, often done swiftly or without full attention.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡlæns/
• Respelling: GLANS (with "GLAN" as in "glad" and "S" as in "yes")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡlɑːns/
• Respelling: GLAHNS (with "GLAHN" as in "car" and "S" as in "yes")

In both dialects, "glance" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation differs slightly, focusing on the clear articulation of "GLANS" in American English and "GLAHNS" in British English.

Etymology

The word "glance" derives from the Middle English word glenten, which means "to shine or gleam". The transition from "gleam" to "quick look" may come from the notion of "catching a gleam of something", hence referring to a swift or momentary sight.

Derivatives

• Glancing (adjective)
• Glancer (noun)
• Glanced (verb, past tense)
• Glancingly (adverb)
• Glancible (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Peek
• Glimpse
• Look

Antonyms

• Stare
• Examination
• Inspection

Usage

"Glance" is commonly used to describe a fleeting look, often without deep attention or intent. It can also refer to an action in which something strikes a surface obliquely and then bounces off, a common use in physical contexts like sports or physics.

Related Terms

• Glint
• Glare
• Scan
• Glance off
• Peripheral vision

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A Quick or Short Look: A rapid, superficial view or sighting.
  • Example: She stole a glance at the clock to check the time.

• A Brief or Fleeting Appearance: A momentary or passing view.
  • Example: At a glance, the room seemed clean and organized.

• A Flash or Glimmer: A brief flash of light or a momentary reflection.
  • Example: The diamond gave a brief glance in the sunlight.

Verb

• To Take a Quick Look: To look at something briefly or hurriedly.
  • Example: He glanced over his shoulder to see if anyone was following.

• To Reflect Light: To reflect a flash of light.
  • Example: The surface of the water glanced under the setting sun.

• To Bounce Off or Deflect: To hit a surface and then move away at an angle.
  • Example: The ball glanced off the wall and rolled across the floor.