gloss over — gloss (a word/term)
to briefly explain the meaning of a word or phrase, especially when it is technical or unfamiliar
Say it like a native
Textbook The editor will provide explanatory annotations for the technical vocabulary.
Native The editor glosses the technical terms in the margin.
'Gloss' is the precise editorial verb for briefly explaining a term. Spelling it out is wordy.
Pattern: gloss + object
In use
- The professor glossed the term 'cognitive dissonance' for the students who were unfamiliar with it.study
- In academic writing, it is important to gloss technical terms so that readers from different backgrounds can understand your arguments.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Let me gloss this word for you in the meeting.
✓ Let me explain this word for you.
'Gloss' (explain a term) is a written/editorial word; in speech natives just say 'explain'. Don't confuse it with 'gloss over' (skim past).
Common collocations
gloss + term— the term, unfamiliar words, a phrase, the jargon
Don't confuse it
This sense is different from 'gloss over', which means to avoid discussing something negative. Here, 'gloss' means to provide a brief explanation, usually of a word or phrase.
Related
- gloss over (gloss over (something)) — Another meaning of 'gloss over' is 'gloss over (something)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.