einblíni

Einblíni is an Icelandic word that translates to "glance" or "glimpse" in English. It refers to a brief, quick look at something or someone. The term is often used to describe the act of seeing something for a very short duration, not a prolonged observation. For example, someone might say they caught an einblíni of a rare bird or saw an einblíni of a familiar face in a crowd.

The word itself is composed of two parts: "ein" meaning "one" and "blíni" which is related to the verb "að blína," meaning "to peer" or "to stare." Thus, "einblíni" literally suggests a single instance of looking. It captures the fleeting nature of the visual experience.

In literature and everyday conversation, einblíni can convey a sense of serendipity or a moment of unexpected recognition. It implies a visual encounter that is brief but potentially significant, sparking curiosity or memory. The subtlety of an einblíni is often contrasted with a deliberate and extended gaze.