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Definition of glancing

glancing

/ˈɡlænsɪŋ/
glanc · ing
Adverb:glancingly
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glancing Lexical Profile

glancing Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Striking a surface at an oblique angle and bouncing or sliding off rather than hitting squarely.

Example

"Fortunately, the falling branch only delivered a glancing blow to the roof of the car."

2

Directed briefly, casually, or indirectly at a subject without close examination.

Example

"The article makes only a glancing reference to the company's early financial struggles."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for glancing

• Nearby Words

glamper
glamping
glance
glancing
glancingly
gland
glandular

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'glance' (late 15th century), which entered English from Old French 'glacier' (to slip or glide), ultimately derived from Vulgar Latin '*glaciare' and Latin 'glacies' (ice), originally referring to a weapon sliding off armor.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Glancing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/glancing
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