adjective

glancing

GLAHN-sihng

Glancing (adjective) means striking at an angle rather than head-on, so that only light or partial contact is made. Example: “He took a glancing blow to the shoulder instead of a direct hit.”

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adjective

Striking at an angle rather than head-on, so that only light or partial contact is made.

"He took a glancing blow to the shoulder instead of a direct hit."

"The car suffered a glancing collision with the barrier."

How to use glancing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes a hit or contact that comes in sideways and skims off rather than landing full-on.

Common pairings

a glancing blow a glancing hit

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more glancing comparative, glancings plural, most glancing superlative

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He took a _____ blow to the shoulder instead of a direct hit.

Rhymes for glancing

dancing prancing advancing enhancing balancing financing romancing

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Frequently asked questions

What does “glancing” mean?

The word “glancing” means striking at an angle rather than head-on, so that only light or partial contact is made. In plain terms, describes a hit or contact that comes in sideways and skims off rather than landing full-on.

How do you pronounce “glancing”?

“Glancing” is pronounced GLAHN-sihng (/ˈɡlæn.sɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “glancing” in a sentence?

Here is “glancing” used in a sentence: “He took a glancing blow to the shoulder instead of a direct hit.”

What part of speech is “glancing”?

“Glancing” is an adjective.