2014-6-17 · Ok, interesting thread, but I think these verbs are more complicated than one might expect. glance = to take a brief look (intentionally) glimpse = to take a brief look (unintentionally); a "glimpse" can also be intentional, for example, when someone is trying very hard to see something and then finally catches a glimpse of it.When intentional, a "glimpse" usually requires more effort, or ...