B1verb2K

Skim

UK //skɪm//US //skɪm//

Definition

To read or glance through a text quickly to gather main ideas.

In simple words: To read something quickly to get the main idea.

Examples

  • I like to skim the newspaper every morning to catch up on the news.
  • Before the meeting, I skimmed the report to prepare.
  • Make sure to skim through the instructions before starting.
  • Students often skim textbooks for key concepts before exams.
  • She skimmed the novel in one afternoon, gathering the main plot points.

Usage notes

Used usually when you want to quickly understand a text instead of reading it in detail. Not appropriate for important documents where every detail matters.

Grammar pattern

skim + object

Memory hint

Think of a skimmed milkshake - all the best bits quickly taken off the top.

Collocations

  • skim the surface
  • skim through
  • skim a document

Synonyms

  • glance
  • browse
  • scan
  • peruse

Antonyms

  • deep read
  • study
  • analyze

Common mistakes

  • Using 'skim' with an object that requires detailed attention.
  • Confusing 'skim' with 'scan', which implies searching for specific information.