glance

verb C1 Formal

Meaning

To glance is to take a brief, cursory look at something, often implying a fleeting observation rather than a thorough examination, and can suggest an element of distraction or superficiality in the act of viewing.

💡 While "glance" typically denotes a quick look, it is important to distinguish it from "gaze," which implies a more prolonged and focused observation.

Example Sentences

Please glance over the report before the meeting begins .

Researchers often glance at preliminary data before conducting full analysis .

She glanced at the report before making her final decision .

She glanced at the report before the meeting started .

Word in Context

Maria perched by the window in the caf é, organising her notes while the morning light traversed the pages . Every few minutes she would glance at the street , not because she anticipated anyone but because the movement aided her concentration . Those brief interruptions were intentional ; she aimed to sustain focus on the report while allowing peripheral pauses to mitigate mental fatigue . When a delivery truck halted outside , her attention tracked it for a moment before she resumed evaluating the dataset on her laptop . By the time she packed her things , the material felt more coherent , as if the intermittent looks had helped her reconcile scattered ideas into a practicable plan .

Common Phrases

glance at glance over take a glance

Synonyms

Related Words

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