What are the definitions of “gloss over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to minimise the importance of something.
The Minister tried to GLOSS OVER the report that was critical of her department.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gloss over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gloss over is to ignore or avoid dealing with something, especially by making it seem less important or serious than it actually is. This is often done to avoid embarrassment or criticism.
What are the different verb forms of “gloss over”?
| Root Verb | gloss over |
| Third Person Singular Present | glosses over |
| Present Participle | glossing over |
| Simple Past | glossed over |
| Past Participle | glossed over |
Example
The teacher decided to gloss over the difficult parts of the lesson.
Example
He often glosses over his mistakes instead of admitting them.
Example
She is glossing over the details of the project.
Example
They glossed over the negative feedback in the meeting.
Example
The controversial issues were glossed over in the discussion.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gloss over”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“gloss over” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The politician glossed over the scandal during his speech.
Example
She glossed over the difficult parts of the lesson.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“gloss over” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The politician glossed over the scandal during his speech.
Example
She glossed over the difficult parts of the lesson.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gloss over”?
Good things to know
Does “gloss over” have an informal or formal tone?
Gloss over is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is often used in formal situations, such as in business or politics, when someone wants to avoid discussing something unpleasant or embarrassing.
