espy

UK: ɪˈspaɪ | US: ɪˈspaɪ

Definition

  1. vt. to catch sight of something distant or obscure

  2. vt. to discover or detect something through careful observation

Structure
e <out>spy <observe>e <out>spy <observe>
Etymology

The word "espy" originated in Middle English from Old French "espier," which itself traces back to Germanic roots. The prefix "e-" intensifies the action, giving the sense of "spotting something out" or "detecting carefully." Over time, it evolved to emphasize noticing something hidden or distant, often with effort.

Examples

  1. She managed to espy a deer in the dense forest.

  2. The sailor espied land on the horizon after weeks at sea.

  3. He espied a rare bird through his binoculars.

  4. The detective espied a clue others had overlooked.

  5. From the tower, we could espy the entire valley below.