Espy

Verb

Definition: To catch sight of or glimpse something, especially when it is unexpected or hidden.

Synonyms: Spot, See, Notice, Observe

Antonyms: Overlook, Miss, Ignore

Examples:

I espied a deer grazing in the meadow.
From my window, I espied a rainbow stretching across the sky.

Mnemonics:

Think of "spy" while pronouncing "espy," as it involves discreetly noticing or catching sight of something.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'catch sight of'): from Old French 'espier', of Germanic origin; related to German 'spähen'.

Historical Usage:

The word "espy" has been used since Middle English and derives from the Old French word 'espier'. It shares roots with the German word 'spähen', which means to spy or lurk.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Espy in the distance"

Explanation:

Refers to the act of noticing or observing something far away or not easily visible.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "espy" with "eye"

Explanation:

Though "eye" and "espy" both involve vision, "espy" specifically refers to catching sight of something unexpectedly or hidden, rather than just simply looking at something.