SKIMMING THROUGH Meaning and
Definition
-
Skimming through refers to the act of quickly and superficially reading or looking through the content of a text or document without thoroughly examining or comprehending it. This approach involves scanning the material to get a general idea or a brief overview of its main points, rather than reading every word or detail. Skimming through is often employed when there is a time constraint or a need to find specific information within a document efficiently.
When skimming through a text, individuals tend to glance at the headings, subheadings, and bolded or italicized words to gain a sense of the main ideas or topics covered. They may also read the first and last sentences of paragraphs to grasp the general meaning. Skimming through can be useful to determine whether a text is worth reading in more detail or to locate specific information such as dates, names, or keywords.
It is important to note that skimming through does not involve a thorough understanding or analysis of the content. It is a rapid method of reading aimed at obtaining a broad overview or finding specific information quickly. Consequently, skimming through may result in missing nuanced details or depth in understanding. Skimming through is commonly employed in academic settings, research, or when reviewing large amounts of written material in a short time. It facilitates a quick analysis or appraisal of the material without in-depth reading or examination.
Common Misspellings for SKIMMING THROUGH
Etymology of SKIMMING THROUGH
The word "skimming through" is a combination of two words: "skimming" and "through".
1. "Skimming" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "scimmen", which means "to skim or remove". It later evolved into the Middle English word "skimmen", meaning "to remove scum or impurities from a liquid". Eventually, the term "skim" began to be used metaphorically to describe quickly glancing over a text or a surface without delving deep into it.
2. "Through" can be traced back to the Old English word "þuruh", which means "from one end to the other" or "in all parts". The word has remained relatively unchanged in terms of its meaning and usage.
When combined, "skimming through" conveys the act of reading or going over something quickly or superficially, covering all sections without diving into every detail.
