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to see

to see

∞ 1.0
To understand what something means
  • verb
  • /si/
: entender
  • Just try one simple change and see how easy it can be to get healthy.
  • come to see
  • fail to see
  • help readers see

I know I can make them see my point of view.

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Examples

Synonyms

to understand
vsto see
∞ 1.0

To know the meaning of something

is about simple mental awareness rather than detailed full knowledge
to realize
vsto see
  • US
∞ 1.1

To suddenly understand something you did not know before

is general mental noticing rather than this sudden clear awareness
to notice
vsto see
∞ 1.0

To see or become aware of something

is inner mental realization rather than the external act of observing
to discover
vsto see
∞ 1.0

To find out about something for the first time, often by chance

is immediate mental awareness rather than first-time discovery by chance
to pick up
vsto see
776 2.6

To learn or notice something often by chance

is deliberate mental awareness rather than accidental casual learning
to recognize
vsto see
  • US
772 1.4

To be fully aware that something is true or happening

is the act of mental awareness without the full certainty implied here
to sense
vsto see
348 4.2

To notice something by feeling or by using a tool

is inner mental awareness rather than sensory or instrument detection
to interpret
vsto see
328 3.3

To explain what something means

is the passive act of mental awareness rather than active meaning explanation
to perceive
vsto see
182 3.0

To become aware of something in your mind and understand it

is focused on mental awareness alone rather than broad conscious perception
to comprehend
vsto see
140 2.7

To understand the meaning of something

is a more general mental awareness rather than a deep full grasp
to fathom
vsto see
56 6.1

To understand something after much thought

is general awareness rather than the deep slow solving process here
to construe
vsto see
  • Formal
41 8.1

To understand words, actions, or events in a particular way

is simple awareness rather than this deliberate meaning assignment
to intuit
vsto see
9 7.5

To know something quickly without thinking about it

is general mental awareness rather than instant instinctive knowing
to apprehend
vsto see
  • Formal
4 4.3

To understand the meaning of something

is broader awareness rather than the focused mental grip described here
to cognize
vsto see
1 9.6

To notice and understand something in your mind

is general mental awareness rather than this clearer knowing
to apperceive
vsto see
  • Specialized
1 9.9

To notice something and connect it to past experiences

is plain mental noticing rather than this memory-linked perception

Antonyms

To think something is true when it is not

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 Clear

to grasp
141 4.1
to understand
∞ 1.0
to see
∞ 1.0
to notice
∞ 1.0
to miss
∞ 1.7

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', and people began using it for the mind too. That's why to 'see' something can mean to understand or realise it.