glimpse of playfulness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse of playfulness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or fleeting indication of a lighthearted or fun attitude or behavior. Example: "In her serious demeanor, there was a surprising glimpse of playfulness when she shared a funny story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A little glimpse of playfulness and wonder?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Well, it's playful, there's a lot of playfulness.

The Guardian - Arts

And I can glimpse a playfulness there.

The Guardian - Film

That spark of playfulness fires imaginative possibilities.

The Guardian - Books

A sense of playfulness pervades her work.

The New York Times - Magazine

NBC didn't share the British art of playfulness.

The New York Times - Sports

He's got a wonderful sense of playfulness about him.

The New York Times - Arts

"This kind of playfulness doesn't serve the voters".

The New York Times

This sense of playfulness carried over to desserts.

The New York Times - Food

It gives the actors a sense of playfulness and freedom".

The Guardian - Film

A sense of playfulness pervaded nearly everything Perrey ever did.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse of playfulness" to subtly suggest a lighthearted quality in an otherwise serious context. It adds nuance and character.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of playfulness" too frequently in your writing. It can become repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions of lightheartedness with synonyms like "hint of levity" or "touch of amusement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of playfulness" functions as a noun phrase describing a fleeting or subtle indication of lightheartedness. It uses a noun ("glimpse") modified by a prepositional phrase ("of playfulness") to depict a brief experience of amusement, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glimpse of playfulness" is a valid and usable phrase in English, albeit relatively rare. As indicated by Ludwig, it describes a brief or subtle indication of lightheartedness, typically used in news and media contexts to add a touch of levity to a description. While grammatically correct, varying your descriptions with synonyms like "hint of playfulness" or "touch of playfulness" can enhance your writing. Overall, using "glimpse of playfulness" effectively involves understanding its subtle nuance and avoiding overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of playfulness

Replaces "glimpse" with "hint", suggesting a more subtle indication.

touch of playfulness

Substitutes "glimpse" with "touch", indicating a slight presence of playfulness.

fleeting moment of levity

Replaces the phrase with a more descriptive expression, emphasizing the brief and lighthearted nature.

brief flash of amusement

Uses "flash" and "amusement" to highlight the sudden and joyful aspect.

a sign of lightheartedness

Indicates a general characteristic rather than a specific instance.

suggestion of mirth

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar sentiment.

an air of fun

Focuses on the overall atmosphere or impression of playfulness.

trace of joviality

Implies a subtle indication of cheerfulness or good humor.

whiff of merriment

Suggests a brief and noticeable presence of joyful activity.

shade of whimsy

Emphasizes the fanciful and playful nature.

FAQs

How can I use "glimpse of playfulness" in a sentence?

You can use "glimpse of playfulness" to describe a brief or subtle indication of lightheartedness or fun. For example: "Despite her serious demeanor, there was a surprising "glimpse of playfulness" in her eyes when she told the joke."

What are some alternatives to "glimpse of playfulness"?

Alternatives include "hint of playfulness", "touch of playfulness", or "fleeting moment of levity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "glimpse of playfulness" formal or informal?

"Glimpse of playfulness" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts. It's appropriate for describing observations in news articles, creative writing, or casual conversation.

What does "glimpse of playfulness" imply?

It suggests a brief or subtle indication of a lighthearted, fun, or whimsical quality that may not be immediately obvious or dominant.