glance 🔊
Meaning of glance
To take a brief or quick look at something.
Key Difference
While 'glance' implies a quick or casual look, its synonyms may vary in intensity, duration, or purpose.
Example of glance
- She took a quick glance at her watch during the meeting.
- He glanced at the newspaper headlines while having breakfast.
Synonyms
glimpse 🔊
Meaning of glimpse
A momentary or partial view of something.
Key Difference
A 'glimpse' is even briefer than a 'glance' and often accidental.
Example of glimpse
- She caught a glimpse of the celebrity as the car sped by.
- I only got a glimpse of the rare bird before it flew away.
peek 🔊
Meaning of peek
To look quickly and secretly.
Key Difference
A 'peek' suggests stealth or curiosity, unlike a casual 'glance'.
Example of peek
- The child peeked through the keyhole to see the surprise.
- He peeked at his birthday presents when no one was looking.
scan 🔊
Meaning of scan
To look over something quickly but systematically.
Key Difference
'Scan' implies searching for details, while 'glance' is more superficial.
Example of scan
- She scanned the document for any errors before submitting it.
- The detective scanned the room for clues.
skim 🔊
Meaning of skim
To read or look through something quickly to get the main ideas.
Key Difference
'Skim' is more about extracting information, while 'glance' is just a brief look.
Example of skim
- He skimmed through the report before the meeting.
- Students often skim through textbooks before exams.
peer 🔊
Meaning of peer
To look closely or with difficulty.
Key Difference
'Peer' suggests effort or squinting, unlike a casual 'glance'.
Example of peer
- She peered through the fog to see the road signs.
- He peered at the fine print in the contract.
gaze 🔊
Meaning of gaze
To look steadily and intently.
Key Difference
'Gaze' is prolonged and focused, while 'glance' is quick.
Example of gaze
- They gazed at the stars for hours.
- The artist gazed at the painting, lost in thought.
stare 🔊
Meaning of stare
To look fixedly or rudely.
Key Difference
'Stare' is intense and sometimes uncomfortable, unlike a neutral 'glance'.
Example of stare
- The child stared at the stranger in curiosity.
- It's impolite to stare at people in public.
ogle 🔊
Meaning of ogle
To stare in a lecherous or obvious way.
Key Difference
'Ogle' has a negative, often inappropriate connotation, unlike a neutral 'glance'.
Example of ogle
- The man ogled the women at the bar, making them uncomfortable.
- She ignored the guy who was ogling her from across the room.
survey 🔊
Meaning of survey
To look over or examine comprehensively.
Key Difference
'Survey' is more thorough and deliberate than a 'glance'.
Example of survey
- The general surveyed the battlefield before making a decision.
- They surveyed the damage after the storm.
Conclusion
- 'Glance' is best for quick, casual looks without much focus.
- 'Glimpse' works when you see something very briefly, often by chance.
- 'Peek' is ideal for secretive or curious quick looks.
- 'Scan' should be used when you need to search for something quickly.
- 'Skim' is best for reading or reviewing material superficially.
- 'Peer' is used when looking with difficulty or concentration.
- 'Gaze' is for long, thoughtful looks, often with admiration.
- 'Stare' implies a fixed, sometimes rude, prolonged look.
- 'Ogle' should be avoided as it conveys inappropriate staring.
- 'Survey' is for thorough, deliberate examinations of a scene or object.