glance
UK: ɡlɑːns | US: ɡlæns
v. to look quickly or briefly
n. a quick or brief look
v. (of light) to reflect or gleam
The word "glance" originates from the Middle English glansen or glenchen, meaning "to shine or gleam," likely derived from Old French glacier ("to slip or slide") or Old High German glanz ("brightness"). Over time, its meaning shifted from the visual effect of light ("gleam") to the action of a quick look, reflecting the fleeting nature of both light and a brief gaze. The modern sense retains the idea of swiftness and indirect contact (e.g., light glancing off a surface).
She glanced at her watch and realized she was late.
He gave the document a quick glance before signing.
Sunlight glanced off the surface of the lake.
Their eyes glanced across the room but didn’t meet.
A passing car’s headlights glanced against the window.