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to glance

to glance

299 1.5
To look quickly at someone or something
  • verb
  • /ɡlæns/
translation icon : mirar
  • Still, Teresa kept turning around to glance through the rear window at the Earth.
  • glance back
  • glance quickly
  • glance in the direction

She bites her lip and his eyes glance down at her lips level of friendship.

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Examples

  • Then she glances up and our eyes connect.

  • It often helps to actually glance at the photo.

  • Well, you gave one man back his life, but did you even glance at the others?

  • I have a copy of the Convention... and would be glad to let you glance through it.

  • Keep your eyes on the class, and glance down at your score or notes only occasionally.

    Academic text (2003)
  • That's so you can always glance down at that watch and remember how much I love you.

  • "You look nice," Danny said, glancing at me and turning back to the road.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Very seldom did the teacher even glance at his students during the lecture.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Aunt Dorothy took the box, glanced at the price tag, and handed it to me.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • He took a quick glance at the clock before rushing out the door.

Synonyms

to see
vsto glance
1.0

To notice something with your eyes

is specifically a short brief visual action rather than general observing
to look
vsto glance
1.0

To direct the eyes toward something to see it

is a short rapid gaze rather than sustained attention
to take a look
vsto glance
1.3

To look at something to check it or find information

is limited to a quick brief visual action not careful inspection
to have a look
vsto glance
412 1.3

To check something carefully, for example an essay or a machine

is a brief momentary view rather than careful inspection
to glance at
vsto glance
150 2.0

Look quickly at someone or something

is the same meaning but used as a single-word verb form
to peek
vsto glance
119 1.1

To look quickly and secretly at something

is a quick open look without secrecy
to get a look
vsto glance
88 2.8

To see someone or something for a short time

is a brief deliberate act rather than chance seeing
to lay eyes on
vsto glance
  • Informal
59 3.7

To see someone or something for the first time after a long time

is a quick view not linked to long absence or first seeing
to catch a glimpse
vsto glance
34 3.4

To see someone or something for a very short time

is a short view usually more complete and intentional
to peep
vsto glance
30 3.2

To look quickly and secretly at something you are not supposed to see

is a brief view that is not necessarily secret or partial
to glance over
vsto glance
18 3.2

Look at something quickly without reading it carefully

is a short notice rather than a superficial examination
to catch sight
vsto glance
16 3.0

To see something for a short time, usually by chance

is generally a short voluntary quick look rather than unexpected noticing
to rake
vsto glance
16 6.3

To look quickly through something to find an item or fact

is a short visual notice rather than a scanning examination
to catch sight of
vsto glance
15 2.4

To see someone or something suddenly and for a short time

is a short intentional view rather than sudden noticing
to take a gander
vsto glance
  • Informal
10 8.2

To look quickly and casually at something you are curious about

is neutral and not especially casual or playful
to clap eyes on
vsto glance
  • Archaic
1 8.0

To see someone or something for the first time

is a brief intentional view not tied to first-time noticing
to throw an eye
vsto glance
  • UK
7.8

To look quickly at something

is the neutral single-word verb rather than an idiomatic phrase
to squiz
vsto glance
  • Slang
9.9

To look quickly in an informal way

is the standard neutral verb instead of informal slang
to take a squizz
vsto glance
  • Australian
9.9

To have a quick look at something because you are curious

is the same quick action in neutral standard speech

Idioms

You notice something before you look more closely

9 3.0

With a quick look you notice something right away

Phrasal Verbs

150 2.0

Look quickly at someone or something

Look at something quickly without reading it carefully

Compounds

4 1.9

A quick look that gives enough information at once

A quick look over the shoulder at something behind you

1 4.6

A quick look to the side that shows a feeling or intention

copper glance
  • Specialized
9.9

A heavy grey mineral with a metallic shine that is mined for copper

A cold unfriendly look someone gives to show dislike

9.9

A short loving or flirty look that shows attraction

How Quickly

to peek
119 1.1
to glance
299 1.5
to look
1.0
to gaze
170 2.6
to stare
1.0

Surface Forms

glance infinitive
glanced past
glanced past participle
glancing present participle
glances third person singular

Etymology

To glance (verb) also comes from the idea of a quick flash or 'to shine', the same image behind glint and glimmer, so to glance is to give a very short, quick look at something.