Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense sees, present participle seeing, past tense saw, past participle seen
1. verb [no cont]
When you see something, you notice it using your eyes.
You can't see colours at night. [VERB noun]
I saw a man making his way towards me. [VERB noun verb-ing]
She can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. [VERB]
As he neared the farm, he saw that a police car was parked outside it. [VERB that]
Did you see what happened? [VERB wh]
Synonyms: perceive, note, spot, notice More Synonyms of see
2. verb
If you see someone, you visit them or meet them.
I saw him yesterday. [VERB noun]
Mick wants to see you in his office right away. [VERB noun]
You need to see a doctor. [VERB noun]
3. verb [no cont]
If you see an entertainment such as a play, film, concert, or sports game, you watch it.
He had been to see a Semi-Final of the FA Cup. [VERB noun]
It was one of the most amazing films I've ever seen. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: watch, view, look at, observe More Synonyms of see
4. verb [no cont]
If you see that something is true or exists, you realize by observing it that it is true or exists.
I could see she was lonely. [VERB that]
A lot of people saw what was happening but did nothing about it. [VERB wh]
You see young people going to school inadequately dressed for the weather. [VERB noun verb-ing]
My taste has changed a bit over the years as you can see. [VERB]
You've just been cleaning it, I see. [VERB]
The army must be seen to be taking firm action. [beVERB-ed to-infinitive]
5. verb [no cont, no passive]
If you see what someone means or see why something happened, you understand what they mean or understand why it happened.
Oh, I see what you're saying. [VERB wh]
I don't see why you're complaining. [VERB wh]
I really don't see any reason for changing it. [VERB noun]
Now I see that I was wrong. [VERB that]
Synonyms: understand, get, follow, realize More Synonyms of see
6. verb
If you see someone or something as a certain thing, you have the opinion that they are that thing.
She saw him as a visionary, but her father saw him as a man who couldn't make a living. [VERB noun + as]
They have a normal body weight but see themselves as being fat. [V n as n/-ing]
Others saw it as a betrayal. [VERB noun + as]
I don't see it as my duty to take sides. [VERB noun + as]
As I see it, Llewelyn has three choices open to him. [VERBit]
Some men are seen to be less effective as managers. [beVERB-ed to-infinitive]
7. verb [no cont, no passive]
If you see a particular quality in someone, you believe they have that quality. If you ask what someone seesin a particular person or thing, you want to know what they find attractive about that person or thing.
Frankly, I don't know what Paul sees in her. [VERB noun + in]
Young and old saw in him an implacable opponent of apartheid. [VERB + in]
8. verb [no cont]
If you see something happening in the future, you imagine it, or predict that it will happen.
A good idea, but can you see Taylor trying it? [VERB noun verb-ing]
We can see a day where all people live side by side. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: foresee, picture, imagine, anticipate More Synonyms of see
9. verb [no passive]
If a period of time or a person sees a particular change or event, it takes place during that period of time or whilethat person is alive.
Yesterday saw the resignation of the acting Interior Minister. [VERB noun]
He had worked with the consultant for three years and was sorry to see him go. [VERB noun infinitive]
Mr Frank has seen the economy of his town slashed by the uprising. [VERB noun -ed]
Synonyms: witness, watch, observe, view More Synonyms of see
10. verb
You can use see in expressions to do with finding out information. For example, if you say 'I'll see what's happening', you mean that you intend to find out what is happening.
Let me just see what the next song is. [VERB wh]
Shake him gently to see if he responds. [V if]
11. verb
You can use see to promise to try and help someone. For example, if you say 'I'll see if I can do it', you mean that you will try to do the thing concerned.
I'll see if I can call her for you. [V if]
We'll see what we can do, miss. [VERB wh]
Synonyms: consider, decide, think about, judge More Synonyms of see
12. verb
If you seethat something is done or if you seeto it that it is done, you make sure that it is done.
See that you take care of him. [VERB that]
Catherine saw to it that the information went directly to Walter. [Vto it that]
Synonyms: make sure, mind, ensure, guarantee More Synonyms of see
13. verb
If you see someone to a particular place, you accompany them to make sure that they get there safely, or to show politeness.
He didn't offer to see her to her car. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
'Goodnight.'—'I'll see you out.' [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: accompany, show, escort, lead More Synonyms of see
14. verb
If you see a lot of someone, you often meet each other or visit each other.
We used to see quite a lot of his wife, Carolyn. [V amount + of]
We didn't see much of each other after that because he was touring. [V amount of n]
15. verb
If you are seeing someone, you spend time with them socially, and are having a romantic or sexual relationship.
I was seeing her but I wasn't her committed boyfriend. [VERB noun]
16. verb
Some writers use see in expressions such as we saw and as we have seen to refer to something that has already been explained or described.
We saw in Chapter 16 how annual cash budgets are produced. [VERB wh]
Using the figures given above, it can be seen that machine A pays back the initialinvestment in two years. [VERB that]
As we have seen in previous chapters, visualization methods are varied. [VERB that]
17. verb
See is used in books to indicate to readers that they should look at another part of the book, or at another book, because moreinformation is given there.
Surveys consistently find that men report feeling safe on the street after dark.See, for example, Hindelang and Garofalo (1978). [VERB noun]
See Chapter 7 below for further comments on the textile industry. [VERB noun]
18.
See seeing as/that
19.
See I see
20.
See I'll/we'll see
21.
See let me/let's see
22.
See to see sense
23.
See you see
24.
See see you
25.
See you'll see
26. to see the back of someone
27. to have seen better days
28. to be seen dead
29. as far as the eye can see
30. to see eye to eye
31. as far as I can see
32. to see fit
33. to see the light
34. to see the light of day
35. to see red
36. it remains to be seen
37. wait and see
Phrasal verbs:
See see about
See see off
See see through
See see to
More Synonyms of see
see in British English1
(siː)
verbWord forms: sees, seeing, saw or seen
1.
to perceive with the eyes
2. (when tr, may take a clause as object)
to perceive (an idea) mentally; understand
I explained the problem but he could not see it
3. (transitive)
to perceive with any or all of the senses
I hate to see you so unhappy
4. (tr; may take a clause as object)
to be aware of in advance; foresee
I can see what will happen if you don't help
5. (when tr, may take a clause as object)
to ascertain or find out (a fact); learn
see who is at the door
6. (whentr, takes a clause as object; when intr, foll by to)
to make sure (of something) or take care (of something)
see that she gets to bed early
7. (when tr, may take a clause as object)
to consider, deliberate, or decide
see if you can come next week
8. (transitive)
to have experience of; undergo
he had seen much unhappiness in his life
9. (transitive)
to allow to be in a specified condition
I cannot stand by and see a child in pain
10. (transitive)
to be characterized by
this period of history has seen much unrest
11. (transitive)
to meet or pay a visit to
to see one's solicitor
12. (transitive)
to receive, esp as a guest or visitor
the Prime Minister will see the deputation now
13. (transitive)
to frequent the company of
they have been seeing each other for three months
14. (transitive)
to accompany or escort
I saw her to the door
15. (transitive)
to refer to or look up
for further information, see the appendix
16.
(in gambling, esp in poker) to match (another player's bet) or match the bet of (another player) by staking an equal sum
17. as far as I can see
18. see fit
19. see someone hanged first
20. see someone right
21. see the light
22. see you
23. you see
Derived forms
seeable (ˈseeable)
adjective
Word origin
Old English sēon; related to Old Norse sjā, Gothic saihwan, Old Saxon sehan
see in British English2
(siː)
noun
the diocese of a bishop, or the place within it where his or her cathedral or procathedral is situated
See also Holy See
Word origin
C13: from Old French sed, from Latin sēdēs a seat; related to sedēre to sit
see in American English1
(si)
verb transitiveWord forms: saw, seen, ˈseeing
1.
a.
to get knowledge or an awareness of through the eyes; perceive visually; look at; view
b.
to visualize as though present; picture
2.
a.
to get a clear mental impression of; grasp by thinking; understand
to see the point of a joke
b.
to accept as right, proper, or suitable
I can't see him as president
c.
to consider to be; judge
saw it as his duty
3.
a.
to learn; discover; find out
see what they want
b.
to learn by reading, as in a newspaper
4.
to have personal knowledge of; experience; witness
to have seen better days
5.
to look over; inspect; examine
let me see that burn
6.
to take care; make sure
see that he does it right
7.
a.
to escort; accompany; attend
to see someone home
b.
to keep company with; be dating regularly
8.
a.
to encounter; meet; come in contact with
have you seen John?
b.
to recognize by sight
9.
a.
to call on; visit
b.
to have an interview with; consult
see a lawyer
10.
to admit to one's presence; receive
too ill to see anyone
11.
to be a spectator at; view or attend
to see a show
12. Cards
a.
to meet (a bet) by staking an equal sum
b.
to meet the bet of (another) in this way
verb intransitive
13.
to have the power of sight
14.
to discern objects, colors, etc. by using the eyes
to be able to see far
15.
a.
to take a look
go and see
b.
to investigate or inquire
see if he wants anything
16.
to comprehend; understand
17.
to think over a given matter; reflect
let me see, where did I put it?
interjection
18.
look; behold
Idioms:
see about
see after
see double
see fit
see into
see off
see out
see through
see to
SYNONYMY NOTE: see1, the most simple and direct of these terms, is the basic term for the use of theorgans of sight; , behold implies a directing of the eyes on something and holding it in view, usually stressingthe strong impression made [he never beheld a sight more beautiful]; espy, descry both imply a catching sight of with some effort, , espy suggesting the detection of that which is small, partly hidden, etc. [he espied the snake crawling through the grass] and descry the making out of something from a distance or through darkness, mist, etc. [he descried the distant steeple]; view implies a seeing or looking at what lies before one, as in inspection or examination[the jury viewed the evidence]
Derived forms
seeable (ˈseeable)
adjective
Word origin
ME seen < OE seon (< *sehwan), akin to Ger sehen, Goth saihwan < IE base *sekw-, to observe, show, see, tell: see say
see in American English2
(si)
noun
1.
the official seat, or center of authority, of a bishop
2.
the position, authority, or jurisdiction of a bishop
3. Obsolete
a seat of authority, esp. a throne
Word origin
ME se < OFr sie, sied < L sedes, a seat (in ML(Ec), a see of a bishop) < sedere, sit
More idioms containing
see
not see eye to eye with someone
see the error of your ways
you couldn't see someone for dust
see someone in their true colours
see which way the cat jumps
see the light of day
see the light
be glad to see the back of someone
not see beyond your nose
see red
suck it and see
someone cannot see the wood for the trees
see which way the wind is blowing
Examples of 'see' in a sentence
see
You may see ladies of the night plying their trade.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They must also see me make sacrifices at church so we can be with them.
Christianity Today (2000)
We see the same thing at airports.
The Sun (2015)
Letting them be seen in different places is important.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Or shall we go and see something about drizzle?
The Sun (2009)
Will he live to see another series?
The Sun (2015)
Would you see time slow down in the following situations?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We see them always finding a way to counter uncomfortable facts with convenient fictions.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
For larger branches a bow saw may be needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
So can carrots make you see better in the dark?
The Sun (2010)
We have seen many strange things as we sailed along.
Charles Kingsley The Water Babies (1863)
India is the place to see it.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They were last seen by another climber.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That was the last time she was seen.
The Sun (2014)
Escape a little bit and see what you find in there.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Voting reform takes on a key significance when trust is seen as something that emerges from a balance of interests.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He said: 'We will see very soon the end of the era of dependence.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He said: 'We have seen courageous women stand up to brutality.
The Sun (2009)
Breeze said: 'We could see the impact through the feedback the shopfloor staff were giving us.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Quotations
What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over
What you see is what you get
Seeing is believing
Word lists with
see
terms used in poker
In other languages
see
British English: see /siː/ VERB
with eyes If you see something, you are looking at it or you notice it.
The fog was so thick we couldn't see anything.
It's dark and I can't see.
American English: see
Arabic: يَرَى
Brazilian Portuguese: ver
Chinese: 看见
Croatian: vidjeti
Czech: vidět
Danish: se
Dutch: zien
European Spanish: ver
Finnish: nähdä
French: voir
German: sehen
Greek: βλέπω
Italian: vedere
Japanese: 見る
Korean: ...을 보다
Norwegian: se
Polish: zobaczyć
European Portuguese: ver
Romanian: a vedea
Russian: видеть
Latin American Spanish: ver
Swedish: se
Thai: เห็น
Turkish: görmek
Ukrainian: бачити
Vietnamese: nhìn thấy
British English: see /siː/ VERB
meet If you see someone, you meet them.
I saw him yesterday.
American English: see
Arabic: يَرَى
Brazilian Portuguese: encontrar
Chinese: 与…见面
Croatian: sresti
Czech: sejít ses kým
Danish: møde
Dutch: zien
European Spanish: ver
Finnish: tavata
French: voir
German: treffen
Greek: βλέπω
Italian: vedere
Japanese: ・・・に会う
Korean: 만나다
Norwegian: se
Polish: widzieć się
European Portuguese: ver
Romanian: a se întâlni cu
Russian: видиться
Latin American Spanish: ver
Swedish: träffa
Thai: พบ
Turkish: görmek
Ukrainian: зустрічатися
Vietnamese: thấy
All related terms of 'see'
I see
You can say ' I see ' to indicate that you understand what someone is telling you.
see of
to meet ; be in contact with
see to
If you see to something that needs attention , you deal with it.
see fit
to consider proper , desirable , etc
see off
If you see off an opponent , you defeat them.
see out
to remain or endure until the end of
see red
to suddenly become very angry or annoyed because of something which has been said or done
see you
' See you ', ' be seeing you ', and ' see you later ' are ways of saying goodbye to someone when you expect to meet them again soon .
you see
You can say ' you see ' when you are explaining something to someone, to encourage them to listen and understand .
Holy See
the see of the pope as bishop of Rome and head of the Church
look-see
a brief inspection or look
must-see
a place or film considered to be essential to visit or see
see about
When you see about something, you arrange for it to be done or provided.
see after
to take care of; look after
see into
to examine or investigate
see life
to have a wide variety of social experiences
see over
to inspect by making a tour of
see stars
to see or seem to see bright moving pinpoints of light, as from a blow on the head, increased blood pressure, etc
no-see-um
→ biting midge
see action
to participate in military combat
see double
If you are seeing double , there is something wrong with your eyes , and you can see two images instead of one.
see things
to have hallucinations
see through
If you see through someone or their behaviour , you realize what their intentions are, even though they are trying to hide them.
Thuner See
a town in central Switzerland , in Bern canton on Lake Thun . Pop: 40 377 (2000)
you'll see
You can say ' You'll see ' to someone if they do not agree with you about what you think will happen in the future , and you believe that you will be proved right .
Apostolic See
the see of the pope regarded as the successor to Saint Peter
see daylight
to understand something previously obscure
see evidence
Evidence is anything that you see, experience, read , or are told that causes you to believe that something is true or has really happened .
to see fit
If you say that someone sees fit to do something, you mean that they are entitled to do it, but that you disapprove of their decision to do it.
to see red
If you see red , you suddenly become very angry .
see the menu
When a customer asks to see the menu , they ask you to bring them a copy of the menu.
wait and see
If you tell someone to wait and see , you tell them that they must be patient or that they must not worry about what is going to happen in the future because they have no control over it.
I'll/we'll see
People say ' I'll see ' or ' We'll see ' to indicate that they do not intend to make a decision immediately , and will decide later .
see a picture
A picture is a photograph .
see one's way
to find it possible and be willing (to do something)
see the light
to start to understand or agree with something, especially after a long period when you have not understood or agreed with it
see you later
an expression of farewell
seesaw
A seesaw is a long board which is balanced on a fixed part in the middle. To play on it, a child sits on each end, and when one end goes up, the other goes down.
see sense see reason
If you try to make someone see sense or see reason , you try to make them realize that they are wrong or are being stupid .
let me/let's see
People say ' let me see ' or ' let's see ' when they are trying to remember something, or are trying to find something.
see an improvement
If there is an improvement in something, it becomes better . If you make improvements to something, you make it better.
see eye to eye
to agree (with)
see someone right
to ensure fair treatment of (someone)
see the back of
to be rid of
see the last of
to see for the last time
suck it and see
said to mean that the only way to find out if something new is a good idea and is likely to be successful is to actually try it
to see the light
If someone sees the light , they finally realize something or change their attitude or way of behaving to a better one.
see one's way clear
to be willing (to do something)
see the last of sb
If you see the last of someone , you do not expect to see them or deal with them again.
to see eye to eye
If you see eye to eye with someone, you agree with them and have the same opinions and views .
Chinese translation of 'see'
see
(siː)
Word forms:ptsaw
Word forms:ppseen
vt
看见(見) (kànjiàn)
⇒ Did you see what happened?你看见发生的事了吗? (Nǐ kànjiàn fāshēng de shì le ma?)
(= meet)[person]见(見) (jiàn)
⇒ I'll see you at the cinema.我在电影院见你。 (Wǒ zài diànyǐngyuàn jiàn nǐ.)
⇒ You need to see a doctor.你需要去看医生。 (Nǐ xūyào qù kàn yīshēng.)
(= watch)[film, play]看 (kàn)
⇒ the best film I've ever seen我看过的最好的电影 (wǒ kànguo de zuì hǎo de diànyǐng)
(= look at)[letter, document, picture etc]看 (kàn)
⇒ Did you see the article by Professor Gray?你看了格雷教授的文章了吗? (Nǐ kànle Géléi jiàoshòu de wénzhāng le ma?)
(= understand) 明白 (míngbai)
⇒ I see what you mean.我明白你的意思了。 (Wǒ míngbai nǐ de yìsi le.)
(= notice) 意识(識)到 (yìshídào)
(= find out) 查明 (chámíng)
(= imagine) 想象 (xiǎngxiàng)
(= regard) 把 ... 当(當)做 (bǎ ... dàngzuò)
⇒ He saw her as a rival.他把她当成一个对手。 (Tā bǎ tā dàngchéng yī gè duìshǒu.)
(= witness)[change, event]目睹 (mùdǔ)
⇒ Yesterday saw the resignation of the disgraced Minister.昨天威望扫地的部长辞职了。 (Zuótiān wēiwàng sǎodì de bùzhǎng cízhí le.)
vi
看见(見) (kànjiàn)
⇒ It's dark and I can't see.太黑了,我看不见。 (Tài hēi le, wǒ kàn bù jiàn.)
I can see something我能看见(見)某物 (wǒ néng kànjiàn mǒuwù)
to see sb doing/do sth看见(見)某人做某事 (kànjiàn mǒurén zuò mǒushì)
there was nobody to be seen看不见(見)任何人 (kàn bù jiàn rènhé rén)
have you seen my glasses?你看见(見)我的眼镜(鏡)了吗(嗎)? (nǐ kànjiàn wǒde yǎnjìng le ma?)
I don't know what she sees in him我不知道她看中他哪一点(點) (wǒ bù zhīdào tā kànzhòng tā nǎ yīdiǎn)
to go and see sb去见(見)某人 (qù jiàn mǒurén)
see Chapter 6参(參)见(見)第6章 (cānjiàn dì liù zhāng)
to see that ... (= realize, notice) 意识(識)到 ... (yìshídào ... )
⇒ I could see she was lonely.我察觉到她很孤独。 (Wǒ chájuédào tā hěn gūdú.)
(= ensure) 确(確)保 (quèbǎo)
to see if (= find out if) 查看 ... 是否 (chákàn ... shìfǒu)
⇒ I'll see if she's available.我去看看她是否有空。 (Wǒ qù kànkan tā shìfǒu yǒu kòng.)
I can see him doing really well (= envisage) 我可以想象他将(將)干(幹)得不错(錯) (wǒ kěyǐ xiǎngxiàng tā jiāng gàn de bùcuò)
see you (soon)! (inf) 再见(見)! (zàijiàn!)
see you later!一会(會)儿(兒)见(見)! (yīhuìr jiàn!)
to see sb to the door送某人出门(門) (sòng mǒurén chūmén)
I'll see what I can do我会(會)看看能做些什么(麼) (wǒ huì kànkan néng zuò xiē shénme)
let me see, let's see (= show me) 让(讓)我看看吧 (ràng wǒ kànkan ba) (= let me think) 让(讓)我想一想 (ràng wǒ xiǎng yī xiǎng)
I see我明白 (wǒ míngbai)
you see (in explanations) 你知道 (nǐ zhīdào)
we'll see看看再说(說) (kànkan zài shuō)
see for yourself你自己看看 (nǐ zìjǐ kànkan)
as far as I can see就我看来(來) (jiù wǒ kànlái)
All related terms of 'see'
I see
我明白 wǒ míngbai
see off
( say goodbye to ) 向 ... 告别(別) xiàng ... gàobié
see out
( see to the door ) 送 sòng
see to
( deal with ) 处(處)理 chǔlǐ ⇒ Franklin saw to the luggage. → 福兰克林负责照管行李。 Fúlánkèlín fùzé zhàoguǎn xíngli.
you see
( in explanations ) 你知道 nǐ zhīdào
see about
( deal with ) 处(處)理 chǔlǐ
see below
( in piece of writing ) 见(見)下 jiàn xià
we'll see
看看再说(說) kànkan zài shuō
see through
( help : person ) 帮(幫)助 ... 渡过(過)难(難)关(關) bāngzhù ... dùguò nánguān ⇒ $50 should see you through. → 50美金应该能够帮你渡过难关。 Wǔshí měijīn yīnggāi nénggòu bāng nǐ dùguò nánguān. ⇒ He saw me through the hard times. → 他曾帮我度过艰难岁月。 Tā céng bāng wǒ dùguò jiānnán suìyuè.
see-through
( blouse, dress ) 薄如蝉(蟬)翼的 bó rú chányì de
to see if
( find out if ) 查看 ... 是否 chákàn ... shìfǒu ⇒ I'll see if she's available. → 我去看看她是否有空。 Wǒ qù kànkan tā shìfǒu yǒu kòng.
to see red
( inf ) 暴怒 bàonù
see Chapter 6
参(參)见(見)第6章 cānjiàn dì liù zhāng
see you soon!
再见(見)! zàijiàn!
see you later!
一会(會)儿(兒)见(見)! yīhuìr jiàn!
to see that ...
( realize, notice ) 意识(識)到 ... yìshídào ... ⇒ I could see she was lonely. → 我察觉到她很孤独。 Wǒ chájuédào tā hěn gūdú.
as you can see
如你所见(見)到的 rú nǐ suǒ jiàndào de
see for yourself
你自己看看 nǐ zìjǐ kànkan
let me see, let's see
( show me ) 让(讓)我看看吧 ràng wǒ kànkan ba
did anyone see you?
有人看到你吗(嗎)? yǒurén kàndào nǐ ma?
I can see something
我能看见(見)某物 wǒ néng kànjiàn mǒuwù
I can't see anyone
我见(見)不到任何人 wǒ jiàn bù dào rènhé rén
I can't see anything
我什么(麼)也看不见(見) wǒ shénme yě kàn bù jiàn
I'll see myself out
不用送了 bùyòng sòng le
IC
I see 知道了 zhīdàole
to go and see sb
去见(見)某人 qù jiàn mǒurén
whom did you see?
你见(見)到谁(誰)了? nǐ jiàn dào shuí le?
as far as I can see
就我看来(來) jiù wǒ kànlái
can you see anything?
你能看到些什么(麼)吗(嗎)? nǐ néng kàndào xiē shénme ma?
I didn't see a soul
我一个(個)人都没(沒)看见(見) wǒ yī gè rén dōu méi kànjiàn
I'm glad to see you
我非常高兴(興)见(見)到你 wǒ fēicháng gāoxìng jiàndào nǐ
it's good to see you
很高兴(興)见(見)到你 hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nǐ
it's nice to see you
很高兴(興)见(見)到你 hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nǐ
CU
see you 再见(見)! zàijiàn
how lovely to see you!
见(見)到你真是高兴(興)! jiàndào nǐ zhēn shì gāoxìng!
I can't see him anywhere
我哪里(裡)都见(見)不到他 wǒ nǎlǐ dōu jiàn bù dào tā
I see them quite a lot
我常常见(見)到他们(們) wǒ chángcháng jiàndào tāmen
I take/see your point
我接受/理解你的看法 wǒ jiēshòu/lǐjiě nǐ de kànfǎ
I'll see what I can do
我会(會)看看能做些什么(麼) wǒ huì kànkan néng zuò xiē shénme
it's great to see you
见(見)到你太好了 jiàndào nǐ tài hǎo le
to see fit to do sth
认(認)为(為)做某事合适(適) rènwéi zuò mǒushì héshì
to see sb doing/do sth
看见(見)某人做某事 kànjiàn mǒurén zuò mǒushì
to see sb to the door
送某人出门(門) sòng mǒurén chūmén
to see to it that ...
确(確)保 ... quèbǎo ...
for further information, see ...
欲(慾)知进(進)一步的信息,见(見) ... yùzhī jìnyībù de xìnxī, jiàn ...
He left the party seconds before smoke was spotted coming up the stairs.
notice
mark
Mark my words. He won't last.
view
eye
We eyed each other thoughtfully.
check
regard
She regarded him curiously for a moment.
identify
sight
A fleet of ships was sighted in the North Sea.
witness
clock (British, slang)
observe
recognize
The receptionist recognized him at once.
distinguish
He could distinguish voices.
glimpse
She glimpsed a group of people standing on the bank of a river.
check out (informal)
make out
heed
Few people at the conference heeded her warning.
discern
Under the bridge we could just discern a shadowy figure.
behold (archaic, literary)
eyeball (slang)
catch a glimpse of
catch sight of
espy
She espied him in the far distance.
get a load of (slang)
descry
From the top of the hill I descried a solitary rider.
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
lay or clap eyes on (informal)
2 (verb)
Definition
to meet or pay a visit to
I went to see him yesterday.
Synonyms
visit
call on
drop in on (informal)
look (someone) up
be the guest of
call in on
pop in on (informal)
pay a call on
3 (verb)
Definition
to view, watch, or attend
It was one of the most amazing films I've ever seen.
Synonyms
watch
The man was standing in the doorway watching him.
view
The mourners filed past to view the body.
look at
observe
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
4 (verb)
Definition
to understand
Oh, I see what you're saying.
Synonyms
understand
I think you understand my meaning.
get
You don't seem to get the point.
follow
Can you follow the plot so far?
realize
As soon as we realized what was going on, we moved the children away.
know
Hire someone with experience, someone who knows about real estate.
appreciate
She never really appreciated the depth of the conflict.
take in
grasp
The Government has not yet grasped the seriousness of the crisis.
make out
catch on (informal)
He tried to explain it to me, but it took me a while to catch on.
comprehend
I just cannot comprehend your attitude.
fathom
I couldn't fathom what he was talking about.
get the hang of (informal)
get the drift of
5 (verb)
Definition
to foresee
We can see a day when all people live side by side.
Synonyms
foresee
He did not foresee any problems.
picture
She pictured herself working with animals.
imagine
He could not imagine a more peaceful scene.
anticipate
We could not have anticipated the result of our campaigning.
divine
She tried to divine which of her siblings was telling the truth.
envisage
Scientists envisage a major breakthrough in the next few years.
visualize
He could not visualize her as a child.
foretell
6 (verb)
Definition
to perceive or be aware of
He has seen the economy of his town decline.
Synonyms
witness
Anyone who witnessed the attack is urged to contact the police.
watch
observe
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
view
note
Suddenly I noted that the rain had stopped.
notice
People should not hesitate to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious.
behold (archaic, literary)
The garden was a joy to behold.
7 (verb)
Definition
to find out (a fact)
I'd better go and see if she's all right.
Synonyms
find out
learn
They learned of his military service from archive records.
discover
As he discovered, she had a brilliant mind.
establish
An autopsy was being done to establish the cause of death.
determine
The investigation will determine what really happened.
investigate
verify
ascertain
Try to ascertain what services the bank is offering.
make inquiries
8 (verb)
Definition
to consider or decide
We'll see what we can do, Miss.
Synonyms
consider
I had always considered myself a strong, competent woman.
decide
think about
judge
It will take a few more years to judge the impact of these ideas.
reflect
I reflected on the child's future.
deliberate
The jury deliberated for two hours before returning with the verdict.
mull over
She had been mulling over the idea of making a movie.
think over
make up your mind
ponder over
give some thought to
9 (verb)
Definition
to make sure (of something) or take care (of something)
See that you take care of him.
Synonyms
make sure
Before you cut the cloth, make sure the pattern matches up.
mind
Mind you don't let the cat out.
ensure
Steps must be taken to ensure this never happens again.
guarantee
Surplus resources alone do not guarantee growth.
be sure
take care
make certain
see to it
10 (verb)
Definition
to accompany
He didn't offer to see her to her car.
Synonyms
accompany
Ken agreed to accompany me on a trip to Africa.
show
Let me show you to my study.
escort
I escorted him to the door.
lead
He led him into the house.
walk
He offered to walk me home.
attend
horse-drawn coaches attended by liveried footmen
shepherd
She was shepherded by her guards up the rear ramp of the aircraft.
usher
They were quickly ushered away.
11 (verb)
Definition
to receive
The doctor can see you now.
Synonyms
speak to
receive
interview
consult
confer with
12 (verb)
Definition
to meet or pay a visit to
I saw her last night at Monica's.
Synonyms
meet
He's the kindest person I've ever met.
encounter
Did you encounter anyone on your walk?
come across
run into
happen on
bump into
run across
chance on
13 (verb)
Definition
to frequent the company of
I'm seeing someone else.
Synonyms
go out with
We've been going out for about six weeks now.
court (old-fashioned)
I was courting him at 19 and married him when I was 21.
date (informal)
We've been dating for three months.
have an affair with
walk out with (obsolete)
have a fling with
keep company with (old-fashioned, old-fashioned)
go steady with (informal, old-fashioned)
consort or associate with
step out with (old-fashioned)
14 (verb)
Definition
to refer to or look up
See Chapter 7 below.
Synonyms
refer to
phrases
See I see
Phrasal verbs
See see about something
See see over something
See see someone off
See see someone through
See see something through
See see through something or someone
See see to something or someone
See seeing as
Usage note
It is common to hear seeing as how, as in Seeing as how the bus is always late, I don't need to hurry. However, the use of how here is considered incorrect or nonstandard, and should be avoided.
proverbs
What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve overWhat you see is what you getSeeing is believing
(noun)
Definition
the diocese of a bishop or the place within it where his cathedral is situated
Synonyms
diocese
parishioners of the bishop's diocese
bishopric
Do you think I should resign from the bishopric?
Additional synonyms
in the sense of anticipate
Definition
to foresee and act in advance of
We could not have anticipated the result of our campaigning.
Synonyms
expect,
predict,
forecast,
prepare for,
look for,
hope for,
envisage,
foresee,
bank on,
apprehend,
foretell,
think likely,
count upon
in the sense of appreciate
Definition
to be aware of and understand
She never really appreciated the depth of the conflict.
Synonyms
be aware of,
know,
understand,
estimate,
realize,
acknowledge,
recognize,
perceive,
comprehend,
take account of,
be sensitive to,
be conscious of,
sympathize with,
be alive to,
be cognizant of
in the sense of ascertain
Definition
to find out definitely
Try to ascertain what services the bank is offering.
Synonyms
find out,
learn,
discover,
determine,
confirm,
settle,
identify,
establish,
fix,
verify,
make certain,
suss (out) (slang),
ferret out
Synonyms of 'see'
see
Explore 'see' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of attend
horse-drawn coaches attended by liveried footmen
Synonyms
escort,
conduct,
guard,
shadow,
accompany,
companion,
shepherd,
convoy,
usher,
squire (old-fashioned),
chaperon
in the sense of behold
Definition
to look (at)
The garden was a joy to behold.
Synonyms
look at,
see,
view,
eye,
consider,
study,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
examine,
observe,
perceive,
gaze,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
inspect,
discern,
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
recce (slang),
get a load of (informal),
take a gander at (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
feast your eyes upon
in the sense of bishopric
Definition
the see, diocese, or office of a bishop
Do you think I should resign from the bishopric?
Synonyms
diocese,
see,
primacy,
episcopate,
episcopacy
in the sense of catch on
Definition
to understand
He tried to explain it to me, but it took me a while to catch on.
Synonyms
understand,
see,
find out,
grasp,
see through,
comprehend,
twig (British, informal),
get the picture,
see the light of day
in the sense of comprehend
Definition
to understand
I just cannot comprehend your attitude.
Synonyms
understand,
see,
take in,
perceive,
grasp,
conceive,
make out,
discern,
assimilate,
see the light,
fathom,
apprehend,
get the hang of (informal),
get the picture,
know
in the sense of court
Definition
to attempt to gain the love of
I was courting him at 19 and married him when I was 21.
Synonyms
woo,
go (out) with,
go steady with (informal),
date,
chase,
sue (archaic),
pursue,
take out,
make love to,
run after,
walk out with,
keep company with,
pay court to,
set your cap at,
pay your addresses to,
step out with (informal)
in the sense of date
Definition
to be a boyfriend or girlfriend of
We've been dating for three months.
Synonyms
go out with,
take out,
go around with,
be romantically involved with,
go steady with,
step out with (informal)
in the sense of deliberate
Definition
to consider (something) deeply
The jury deliberated for two hours before returning with the verdict.
Synonyms
consider,
think,
ponder,
discuss,
debate,
reflect,
consult,
weigh,
meditate,
mull over,
ruminate,
cogitate
in the sense of descry
Definition
to catch sight of
From the top of the hill I descried a solitary rider.
Synonyms
catch sight of,
see,
notice,
mark,
discover,
sight,
observe,
recognize,
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
make out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
espy,
spy out
in the sense of determine
Definition
to fix in scope, extent, etc.
The investigation will determine what really happened.
Synonyms
settle,
learn,
establish,
discover,
check,
confirm,
find out,
work out,
calculate,
detect,
figure out,
certify,
verify,
ascertain,
deduce,
fix upon
Additional synonyms
in the sense of discern
Definition
to see or be aware of (something) clearly
Under the bridge we could just discern a shadowy figure.
Synonyms
see,
perceive,
make out,
notice,
observe,
recognize,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch sight of,
suss (out) (slang),
espy,
descry
in the sense of discover
Definition
to learn about for the first time
As he discovered, she had a brilliant mind.
Synonyms
find out,
see,
learn,
reveal,
spot,
determine,
notice,
realize,
recognize,
perceive,
detect,
disclose,
uncover,
discern,
ascertain,
suss (out) (slang),
get wise to (informal)
in the sense of distinguish
Definition
to make out by hearing, seeing, or tasting
He could distinguish voices.
Synonyms
make out,
identify,
recognize,
perceive,
know,
see,
tell,
spot,
glimpse,
pick out,
discern
in the sense of divine
Definition
to discover (something) by intuition or guessing
She tried to divine which of her siblings was telling the truth.
Synonyms
guess,
understand,
suppose,
suspect,
perceive,
discern,
infer,
deduce,
apprehend,
conjecture,
surmise,
foretell,
intuit,
prognosticate
in the sense of encounter
Definition
to meet (someone) unexpectedly
Did you encounter anyone on your walk?
Synonyms
meet,
confront,
come across,
run into (informal),
bump into (informal),
run across,
come upon,
chance upon,
meet by chance,
happen on or upon
in the sense of ensure
Definition
to make certain
Steps must be taken to ensure this never happens again.
Synonyms
make certain,
guarantee,
secure,
make sure,
confirm,
warrant,
certify
in the sense of envisage
Definition
to believe to be possible or likely in the future
Scientists envisage a major breakthrough in the next few years.
Synonyms
foresee,
see,
expect,
predict,
anticipate,
envision
in the sense of escort
Definition
to act as an escort to
I escorted him to the door.
Synonyms
accompany,
lead,
partner,
conduct,
guide,
guard,
shepherd,
convoy,
usher,
squire (old-fashioned),
hold (someone's) hand,
chaperon
in the sense of espy
Definition
to catch sight of
She espied him in the far distance.
Synonyms
catch sight of,
see,
discover,
spot,
notice,
sight,
observe,
spy,
perceive,
detect,
glimpse,
make out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch a glimpse of,
descry
in the sense of establish
Definition
to prove
An autopsy was being done to establish the cause of death.
Synonyms
prove,
show,
confirm,
demonstrate,
ratify,
certify,
verify,
validate,
substantiate,
corroborate,
authenticate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of eye
Definition
to look at carefully or warily
We eyed each other thoughtfully.
Synonyms
look at,
view,
study,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
clock (British, slang),
observe,
stare at,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
inspect,
glance at,
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
peruse,
get a load of (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
have or take a look at
in the sense of fathom
Definition
to understand by thinking carefully about
I couldn't fathom what he was talking about.
Synonyms
understand,
grasp,
comprehend,
interpret,
get to the bottom of
in the sense of follow
Definition
to understand (an explanation)
Can you follow the plot so far?
Synonyms
understand,
get,
see,
catch,
realize,
appreciate,
take in,
grasp,
catch on (informal),
keep up with,
comprehend,
fathom,
get the hang of (informal),
get the picture
in the sense of get
Definition
to hear or understand
You don't seem to get the point.
Synonyms
understand,
follow,
catch,
see,
notice,
realize,
appreciate,
be aware of,
take in,
perceive,
grasp,
comprehend,
fathom,
apprehend,
suss (out) (slang),
get the hang of (informal),
get your head round
in the sense of glimpse
Definition
to catch sight of momentarily
She glimpsed a group of people standing on the bank of a river.
Synonyms
catch sight of,
spot,
sight,
view,
clock (British, informal),
spy,
espy,
descry
in the sense of grasp
Definition
to understand
The Government has not yet grasped the seriousness of the crisis.
Synonyms
understand,
realize,
take in,
get,
see,
follow,
catch on (informal),
comprehend,
get the message about,
get the picture about,
catch or get the drift of
in the sense of guarantee
Definition
to promise or make certain
Surplus resources alone do not guarantee growth.
Synonyms
ensure,
secure,
assure,
warrant,
insure,
make certain
in the sense of heed
Definition
to pay close attention to (a warning or piece of advice)
Few people at the conference heeded her warning.
Synonyms
pay attention to,
listen to,
take notice of,
follow,
mark,
mind,
consider,
note,
regard,
attend,
observe,
obey,
bear in mind,
be guided by,
take to heart,
give ear to
in the sense of imagine
Definition
to form a mental image of
He could not imagine a more peaceful scene.
Synonyms
envisage,
see,
picture,
plan,
create,
project,
think of,
scheme,
frame,
invent,
devise,
conjure up,
envision,
visualize,
dream up (informal),
think up,
conceive of,
conceptualize,
fantasize about,
see in the mind's eye,
form a mental picture of,
ideate
in the sense of judge
Definition
to appraise critically
It will take a few more years to judge the impact of these ideas.
Synonyms
evaluate,
rate,
consider,
appreciate,
view,
class,
value,
review,
rank,
examine,
esteem (formal),
criticize,
ascertain,
surmise
Additional synonyms
in the sense of know
Definition
to experience
Hire someone with experience, someone who knows about real estate.
Synonyms
be familiar with,
experience,
understand,
ken (Scottish),
comprehend,
fathom,
apprehend,
have knowledge of,
be acquainted with,
feel certain of,
have dealings in,
be versed in
in the sense of lead
Definition
to guide or be guided by physical means
He led him into the house.
Synonyms
guide,
conduct,
steer,
escort,
precede,
usher,
pilot,
show the way
in the sense of learn
Definition
to become informed
They learned of his military service from archive records.
Synonyms
discover,
hear,
understand,
gain knowledge,
find out about,
become aware,
discern,
ascertain,
come to know,
suss (out) (slang)
in the sense of mark
Definition
to observe or notice
Mark my words. He won't last.
Synonyms
observe,
mind,
note,
regard,
notice,
attend to,
pay attention to,
pay heed to,
hearken to (archaic)
in the sense of mind
Definition
to make certain
Mind you don't let the cat out.
Synonyms
be sure,
ensure,
make sure,
be careful,
make certain
in the sense of mull over
Definition
to study or ponder
She had been mulling over the idea of making a movie.
Synonyms
ponder,
consider,
study,
think about,
examine,
review,
weigh,
contemplate,
reflect on,
think over,
muse on,
meditate on,
ruminate on,
deliberate on,
turn something over in your mind
in the sense of note
Definition
to notice
Suddenly I noted that the rain had stopped.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
observe,
perceive
in the sense of notice
Definition
to point out or remark upon
People should not hesitate to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious.
Synonyms
observe,
see,
mind,
note,
spot,
remark,
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
heed,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
mark,
eyeball (slang)
in the sense of observe
Definition
to watch (something) carefully
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
Synonyms
watch,
study,
view,
look at,
note,
check,
regard,
survey,
monitor,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
look on,
keep an eye on (informal),
gaze at,
pay attention to,
keep track of,
scrutinize,
keep tabs on (informal),
recce (slang),
keep under observation,
watch like a hawk,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
in the sense of observe
Definition
to see or notice
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
note,
mark,
discover,
spot,
regard,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
eye,
eyeball (slang),
peer at,
espy,
get a load of (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of picture
Definition
to visualize or imagine
She pictured herself working with animals.
Synonyms
imagine,
see,
envision,
visualize,
conceive of,
fantasize about,
conjure up an image of,
see in the mind's eye
in the sense of realize
Definition
to be aware of or grasp the significance of
As soon as we realized what was going on, we moved the children away.
Synonyms
become aware of,
understand,
recognize,
appreciate,
take in,
grasp,
conceive,
catch on (informal),
comprehend,
twig (British, informal),
get the message,
apprehend,
become conscious of,
be cognizant of
in the sense of recognize
Definition
to identify (a person or thing) as someone or something already known
The receptionist recognized him at once.
Synonyms
identify,
know,
place,
remember,
spot,
notice,
recall,
make out,
recollect,
know again,
put your finger on
in the sense of reflect
Definition
to consider carefully
I reflected on the child's future.
Synonyms
consider,
think,
contemplate,
deliberate,
muse,
ponder,
meditate,
mull over,
ruminate,
cogitate,
wonder
in the sense of regard
Definition
to look closely or attentively at (something or someone)
She regarded him curiously for a moment.
Synonyms
look at,
view,
eye,
watch,
observe,
check,
notice,
clock (British, slang),
remark,
check out (informal),
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (US, slang),
scrutinize,
get a load of (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
in the sense of shepherd
Definition
to guide or watch over (people)
She was shepherded by her guards up the rear ramp of the aircraft.
Synonyms
guide,
conduct,
lead,
steer,
convoy,
herd,
marshal,
usher
in the sense of show
Definition
to guide or escort
Let me show you to my study.
Synonyms
guide,
lead,
conduct,
accompany,
direct,
steer,
escort,
usher
in the sense of sight
Definition
to see (someone or something) briefly or suddenly
A fleet of ships was sighted in the North Sea.
Synonyms
spot,
see,
observe,
notice,
distinguish,
perceive,
make out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary)
in the sense of spot
Definition
to see (something or someone) suddenly
He left the party seconds before smoke was spotted coming up the stairs.
Synonyms
see,
observe,
catch sight of,
identify,
sight,
recognize,
detect,
make out,
pick out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
espy,
descry
in the sense of usher
Definition
to conduct or escort
They were quickly ushered away.
Synonyms
escort,
lead,
direct,
guide,
conduct,
pilot,
steer,
show
Additional synonyms
in the sense of view
Definition
to look at
The mourners filed past to view the body.
Synonyms
look at,
see,
inspect,
gaze at,
eye,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
examine,
observe,
explore,
stare at,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
gawp at,
recce (slang),
get a load of (informal),
spectate,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
in the sense of visualize
Definition
to form a mental image of (something not at that moment visible)
He could not visualize her as a child.
Synonyms
picture,
imagine,
think about,
envisage,
contemplate,
conceive of,
see in the mind's eye,
conjure up a mental picture of
in the sense of walk
Definition
to walk somewhere with (a person or a dog)
He offered to walk me home.
Synonyms
escort,
take,
see,
show,
partner,
guide,
conduct,
accompany,
shepherd,
convoy,
usher,
chaperon
All related terms of 'see'
I see
I understand, right, uh huh, mmm, I'm with you
see red
lose your temper, boil, lose it, seethe, go mad
see-through
transparent, fine, thin, sheer, flimsy
see over something
look round, tour, inspect, see round, go on a tour of
see someone off
say goodbye to, wave goodbye to, wave off
see about something
take care of, deal with, look after, see to, attend to