peek

/piːk/ (bre, ipa) · /piːk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpēk/ (ame, mw)

peek — verb

  • peekpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • peeks3rd person singular
  • peeking-ing form
  • peekedpast simple

1. to give a short look at a person or thing, usually while trying not to be notice

1.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to give a short look at a person or thing, usually while trying not to be noticed

例句

Aaron peeked through the classroom door before the music lesson began.

peek through + opening

Mira peeked at the message on Lakshmi's screen when Lakshmi turned away.

peek at + private thing

同義詞
  • glance

    a quick look without the same hidden or secretive feeling

  • peer

    stresses difficulty seeing clearly rather than secrecy

  • peep

    often sounds more playful or old-fashioned than peek

文法句型

peek at + noun phrase

peek into/through + place or opening

peek around + corner/door

用法筆記

Most often followed by at, into, through, or around. Unlike the more neutral verb 'glance', this sense usually suggests curiosity, caution, or a wish not to be seen.

常見錯誤

❌Mira peeked the answers on her friend's paper.
✅Mira peeked at the answers on her friend's paper.
💡This sense usually needs a preposition such as 'at' or 'into' before what is being looked at.

2. to show a small part of yourself or an object so that it can just be seen

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to show a small part of yourself or an object so that it can just be seen

例句

A red sock peeked out from under Esteban's bed.

peek out from under + place

The sun peeked through the clouds just before the rain stopped.

peek through + covering

同義詞
  • show

    more general and does not suggest that only a small part is visible

  • stick out

    focuses on physical protrusion more strongly than peek

  • protrude

    more formal and less common in everyday speech

文法句型

peek out from + place

peek through + covering

peek from/above + noun phrase

用法筆記

In this sense, the subject is usually a body part, a small object, or something in nature that becomes visible little by little. Distinguish it from sense 1, where a person deliberately looks at something.

常見錯誤

❌The note peeked the pocket.
✅The note peeked out of the pocket.
💡Use 'peek out of/from' when you mean that only part of something can be seen.

peek — noun