glance

A glance is a quick look, not a long stare. It happens in a moment and is often done to check something fast. You might glance at the clock to see the time, glance at your phone for a message, or glance across a room to see who just walked in. Sometimes a glance also carries feeling: a warm glance between friends, a nervous glance toward the door, or a sharp glance from someone who does not trust what they see.

To glance means to take a brief, quick look at something. Your eyes move to it for a moment, then move on. It is shorter than watching, studying, or staring. A glance often happens when you want a small piece of information fast, not when you want to examine every detail.

You might glance at the clock before leaving home, glance over your shoulder while walking at night, or glance down at a note during a speech. In each case, the look is short and purposeful. It can also be less deliberate: your eyes may glance toward a sudden movement or bright light before you fully think about it.

The word can describe both the action and the look itself. Someone may glance at you, and they may also give you a glance. That look can show emotion or intention. A shy person might give a quick glance and look away. Two friends might exchange a knowing glance. Someone who feels worried may keep throwing glances at the exit.

The idea behind the word is speed and light contact. The eyes touch something briefly rather than resting on it. That is why glance works so well for quick checks, passing attention, and small but meaningful looks between people.