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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Skim Definition, Usage & Key Differences Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：read quickly (skim)

skim 🔊

/skɪm/

To read something quickly to get the main ideas, without reading every word.

Skim reading illustrated: student quickly reading a textbook to grasp main ideas.

read quickly 🔊

➕

/riːd ˈkwɪkli/

To look over a text rapidly to grasp the main points or general idea without going into detail.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'skymen', meaning to remove from the surface of a liquid.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of **skim milk**, where the fatty cream is removed from the top. 'Skimming' text is like taking off only the top, main ideas.

📖 Example

Before the meeting, she just had time to skim the report to understand the key points. 🔊 She briefly looked over the report to get the essential information.

🔗 Collocations

skim through – to read something quickly and superficially

skim over – to pass over the details of something, reading hastily

skim read – the practice of reading quickly to get the gist

🔄 Synonyms

scan (v.) – to look over a text quickly for specific information or an overview

browse (v.) – to look through something casually and without thorough reading

glance over (v.) – to take a brief, quick look at something

🚫 Antonyms

peruse (v.) – to read something carefully and thoroughly

scrutinize (v.) – to examine or inspect something in minute detail

🌱 Derivatives

skimmer (n.) – a person or thing that skims; a flat, broad spoon for skimming

skimming (n.) – the act or process of reading quickly or removing a layer from the surface

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from the Old French 'escumer', related to 'scum' (foam). Initially used in cooking contexts for removing impurities, its meaning extended to reading rapidly, likening the action of taking only the surface ideas.

Meaning 2：remove from surface (skim)

skim 🔊

/skɪm/

To remove something like fat, bubbles, or solids from the surface of a liquid.

Skimming fat from soup: close-up of spoon removing layer from liquid surface.

remove from surface 🔊

➕

/rɪˈmuːv frɒm ˈsɜːfɪs/

To take a layer of something, like fat, bubbles, or solids, off the top of a liquid.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

To make the soup healthier, remember to skim the excess fat off the top with a spoon after it cools a bit. 🔊 Remove the unwanted fat from the soup's surface to reduce its fat content.

🔗 Collocations

skim off – to remove a substance floating on a liquid

skim the fat – to remove fat from the surface of a liquid like soup or stock

skim the foam – to remove bubbles or froth from the top of a liquid

🔄 Synonyms

remove (v.) – to take something away from a place

scoop off (v.) – to lift and remove something with a scooping motion

spoon off (v.) – to remove using a spoon

🚫 Antonyms

add to (v.) – to put something into a mixture or onto a surface

emulsify (v.) – to mix two liquids together thoroughly so they combine, like oil and vinegar

🌱 Derivatives

skimmed (adj.) – having had the top layer, especially fat, removed