Words For Perception And Observation

verb to catch sight of; to discover or discern by careful observation

• It was difficult to descry the details of the painting from across the room.
• I squinted my eyes trying to descry what was written on the tiny sign.
• I couldn't descry what he was saying because he was mumbling so much.
• Through his poetic words, she could descry the depths of his emotions.

adjective directed to or from one side

adverb in a sideways or oblique manner

• She cast a sidelong glance at the painting, evaluating its artistic merit.
• He gave me a sidelong look when I mentioned his ex-girlfriend.
• I could tell by the sidelong glances that they were up to something.
• The politician's sidelong remarks hinted at a hidden agenda.