AT FIRST GLANCE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does at first glance mean? 

• AT FIRST GLANCE (adverb)
  The adverb AT FIRST GLANCE has 2 senses:

1. on first seeing (someone or something); immediately

2. after an initial impression, which later proves incorrect

  Familiarity information: AT FIRST GLANCE used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AT FIRST GLANCE (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

On first seeing (someone or something); immediately

Synonyms:

at first glance; at first sight

Context example:

it was love at first sight

Sense 2

Meaning:

After an initial impression, which later proves incorrect

Synonyms:

at first glance; at first sight

 Context examples 

At first glance, the scans looked similar and confirmed previous studies.

(Our brains appear uniquely tuned for musical pitch, National Institutes of Health)

At first glance, the particles appeared to be stars behind the asteroid, but on closer examination, the team realized that the asteroid was ejecting material from its surface.

(NASA's OSIRIS-REx Explains Bennu Mystery Particles, NASA)

At first glance, Ceres, the largest body in the main asteroid belt, may not look icy.

(Where is the Ice on Ceres?, NASA)

It may prove the simplest matter in the world, but all the same at first glance this is just a little curious, is it not?

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)