To deal with something briefly and superficially, avoiding its true difficulty or importance.
To quickly pass over something bad or complicated so people don't notice how serious it really is.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To treat a problem, mistake, or difficult topic too lightly, hiding its true significance.
"The politician glossed over the party's financial scandals during his speech."
The report glosses over the serious flaws in the government's pandemic response.
— The Guardian, 2021
To move through a topic quickly in speech or writing without proper explanation or attention.
"The teacher glossed over the grammar rule, and most students were still confused."
To make something appear better or less problematic than it really is.
"The brochure glossed over the resort's lack of facilities with beautiful photographs."
To put a shiny coat (gloss) over something to make it look better on the surface.
To quickly pass over something bad or complicated so people don't notice how serious it really is.
Very common in journalism, politics, and academic criticism. Often implies intentional avoidance or dishonesty. Can be used critically ('the report glosses over key failures') or descriptively.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "gloss over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.