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to see

to see

∞ 1.0
To notice something with your eyes
  • verb
  • /si/
: ver
  • Dots on a map help us see geographic patterns.
  • never seen
  • see and hear
  • see with the eyes

Every single thing you see in movies is real.

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Examples

  • All of a sudden, all I see is just blue.

  • And right over there I do see some blue.

  • I see her, I see her. I see her. I see her.

  • So on this scale, you see a couple of key events.

  • Then yeah, you can see nice and tight.

  • Do you want to see what they look like?

  • Now, did anybody see you come in here?

  • I wanted to see what kind of a day it is.

  • An observer in a school library during this time would see students quietly reading or studying.

    Academic text (2015)
  • As I walked through the park, I could see the children playing on the swings.

Synonyms

to look
vsto see
∞ 1.0

To direct the eyes toward something to see it

is the broader act of noticing without specific intent
to look at
vsto see
∞ 1.0

Study something carefully to understand it or decide

is the broader act of noticing without careful consideration
to watch
vsto see
∞ 1.0

To look at something carefully for some time

is a single act of noticing rather than ongoing attention
to notice
vsto see
∞ 1.0

To see or become aware of something

is the simple act of seeing rather than stressing awareness process
to take a look
vsto see
∞ 1.3

To look at something to check it or find information

is the neutral act of noticing rather than choosing inspection style
to stare
vsto see
∞ 1.0

To look at someone or something for a long time without moving your eyes

is a general act of seeing rather than prolonged intense focus
to look around
vsto see
668 1.0

Turn your head and eyes to see what is around you

is noticing a single thing rather than surveying an area
to observe
vsto see
605 2.4

To watch something carefully to learn about it

is general visual noticing rather than systematic study
to view
vsto see
323 1.0

To look at something carefully

is a more general act of noticing without stress on care
to glance
vsto see
300 1.5

To look quickly at someone or something

is the neutral act of noticing, not necessarily brief
to behold
vsto see
  • Archaic
226 7.6

To see something impressive, like a beautiful view or event

is ordinary visual noticing, not reserved for the remarkable
to glance at
vsto see
218 2.0

Look quickly at someone or something

is broader noticing rather than this quick, passing action
to have a look
vsto see
192 1.3

To check something carefully, for example an essay or a machine

is the basic visual noticing rather than a careful examination
to gaze
vsto see
169 2.6

To look steadily with admiration, surprise, or deep thought

is the basic visual act without strong emotion or focus
to get a look
vsto see
115 2.8

To see someone or something for a short time

is the general act of seeing that can last longer
to take notice
vsto see
61 3.5

To see and pay attention to something

is general seeing without implying extra interest
to lay eyes on
vsto see
  • Informal
59 3.7

To see someone or something for the first time after a long time

is general seeing, not focused on first encounters
to perceive
vsto see
41 3.7

To notice something with your senses, especially sight or hearing

focuses only on visual noticing rather than all sensory awareness
to eyeball
vsto see
  • Informal
32 3.6

To look at someone or something closely and directly

is simpler noticing without the strong close examination
to regard
vsto see
28 3.2

To look at someone or something carefully

is a simpler, less deliberate act of visual awareness
to catch sight
vsto see
18 3.0

To see something for a short time, usually by chance

is ordinary noticing rather than sudden or accidental sighting
17 2.4

To see someone or something suddenly and for a short time

is the basic act of noticing, not necessarily sudden
to take a gander
vsto see
  • Informal
11 8.2

To look quickly and casually at something you are curious about

is the neutral act of noticing without casual tone
to glance over
vsto see
10 3.2

Look at something quickly without reading it carefully

is the full act of seeing rather than a superficial scan
8 3.7

Move your eyes from head to toe to judge a person or thing

is ordinary noticing rather than a full head to toe appraisal
to eye up
vsto see
  • Informal
5 7.4

To look at a person or thing with interest

is the plain act of noticing rather than assessing desire
to throw an eye
vsto see
  • UK
1 7.8

To look quickly at something

is normal noticing rather than this informal quick action
4.0

To check something yourself to be sure it is true

is ordinary noticing rather than active personal verification

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

205 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

Idioms

see you later
  • Informal
390 1.0

A casual goodbye said when leaving someone and expecting to meet again

see ya
  • Texting
222 8.4

A friendly way to say goodbye when you expect to meet again

A polite phrase to say you are happy to meet someone again

to see the light
  • Informal
54 5.0

To understand something important and change for the better

36 3.7

To have the same opinion as someone

14 7.4

A phrase people say to tell others nothing interesting or worrying is happening

To understand a situation well without being confused

to see stars
  • Informal
9 6.8

Have bright spots in your eyes after a hit or when you feel faint

Clearly visible to everyone

to see red
  • Informal
6 6.8

To become very angry suddenly

5 9.4

A joking way to say the other person was hurt more after a fight

To understand how someone thinks and feels about a situation

3 9.9

To show a clear physical sign of sexual interest when seeing someone

To focus on the good parts of a situation instead of the bad

2 7.7

To try different ideas to find which ones work

Easy for everyone to see

to see daylight
  • Informal
2 5.8

To begin to feel hope after a long hard time

Exactly as they appear, with nothing hidden

Words you say when you are surprised to see someone in an unexpected place

1 9.9

To leave and say you have private matters without giving details

To not be able to think clearly because you are very tired, angry, or confused

Says as a joke to show someone else is more hurt after a fight

to see for dust
  • Informal
1 9.9

To never see someone again after they leave quickly

To notice small important details while keeping the whole situation in mind

9.9

To be finished and unable to continue working or succeeding

To try to understand something very confusing that seems impossible

Invite someone to your home pretending to show art but actually to try to have sex

8.0

Decide you can do something after problems are solved

To think about things beyond your own immediate needs

Try many different ideas to find one that works

Phrasal Verbs

168 2.9

To take care of something and make sure someone does it

To visit a doctor to get advice or help

95 3.5

Make sure something gets done

To continue with something until it is finished

To recognize when someone is pretending or lying

to see about
  • Informal
84 3.0

To arrange and take care of something

To check something in person to form your own opinion

To help someone with money during a difficult time

Understand things in another way than other people

to see straight
  • Informal
14 6.7

Think clearly when you are tired or upset

To have two pictures of one thing when your eyes or head are not working well

Feel happy when someone leaves or a bad thing ends

To check something yourself to be sure it is true

To visit a doctor who treats bones and joints

Compounds

22 3.4

A place, show or event that people should not miss

Holy See
  • Formal
10 7.7

The central government of the Roman Catholic Church that the Pope leads in Vatican City, recognized by many countries

the Holy See
  • Formal
9 7.8

The Pope's government that speaks for the Roman Catholic Church and acts like a small country

1 9.9

A very small flying insect that makes itchy bites on people and animals

How Visible

to examine
834 2.5
to observe
605 2.4
to see
∞ 1.0
to spot
585 2.1
to glimpse
39 3.2

Surface Forms

see infinitive
seeing present participle
sees third person singular
saw past
seen past participle

Etymology

See comes from an old English word seon meaning 'to look', the same root as sight. So to see something is the original idea of noticing or watching with your eyes.