Skim-Peruse | Commonly Confused Words

Skim

/skɪm/

To read something quickly to get the main ideas without going into details.

The chef skimmed the broth to remove excess fat.She skimmed through the novel in just a few hours.He skimmed the cream from the top of the milk.

/pəˈruːz/

To read or examine something carefully and thoroughly

She sat on the porch to peruse the morning paper.I often peruse the menu before ordering a dish.Peruse the document thoroughly before signing it.

Skim involves quickly glancing over text to get a general idea or the gist, without focusing on details.
Peruse involves reading in detail and with attention, often to understand the nuances or specific information.
While skimming emphasizes speed and overlooking specifics, perusing emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail.
Skimming is useful for getting a quick overview, while perusing is for in-depth understanding.
Remember: Skim when you need a summary, peruse when you need comprehension.