Espy

Pronunciation: /ɪˈspaɪ/

Definitions of espy

noun a glimpse or sight of something or someone

Example Sentences

A1 I espy a bird in the tree.

A2 She espy a rainbow after the storm.

B1 The detective was able to espy the suspect fleeing the scene.

B2 From the top of the tower, you can espy the entire city.

C1 The spy espyed the secret documents through the window.

C2 The photographer espyed the perfect shot and captured it beautifully.

verb to catch sight of or glimpse something or someone

Example Sentences

A1 I espy a bird in the tree.

A2 She espies her friend across the room.

B1 The detective espyed a clue at the crime scene.

B2 From the top of the hill, we espied the beautiful sunset.

C1 The spy espying the enemy's movements from a distance.

C2 The photographer espied the perfect shot and captured it on film.

Examples of espy in a Sentence

formal The detective was able to espy the suspect from a distance.

informal I managed to espy my friend in the crowd at the concert.

slang I espy a good deal at the thrift store.

figurative Through the dense fog, she could espy a glimmer of hope.

Grammatical Forms of espy

• past tense: espied
• plural: espies
• comparative: more espy
• superlative: most espy
• present tense: espy
• future tense: will espy
• perfect tense: have espied
• continuous tense: is espying
• singular: espy
• positive degree: espy
• infinitive: espy
• gerund: espying
• participle: espied

Origin and Evolution of espy

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'espy' originated from Middle English 'espien' which came from Old French 'espier' meaning to watch or spy.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'espy' has evolved to encompass not just the act of spying or watching, but also to mean to catch sight of or to perceive something unexpectedly.