see
13 synonyms and 0 antonyms for see, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To perceive something with the eyes.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use see
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English seon, "to see, perceive, understand," from a very old Germanic root shared across most Germanic languages.
Full origin of see →Frequently asked questions
What does “see” mean?
The word “see” means to perceive something with the eyes. In plain terms, to use your eyes to notice something — or, more broadly, to understand or to meet someone.
How do you pronounce “see”?
“See” is pronounced SEE (/ˈsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “see” in a sentence?
Here is “see” used in a sentence: “I can see the mountains from my window.”
What is another word for “see”?
Words with a similar meaning to “see” include behold, descry, espy, observe, view and decern.
What part of speech is “see”?
Depending on how it is used, “see” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “see” come from?
The word “see” comes from Old English. From Old English seon, "to see, perceive, understand," from a very old Germanic root shared across most Germanic languages.
Is “see” a common word?
“See” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “see” have?
“See” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to perceive something with the eyes.
What is the difference between see and sea?
See is a verb meaning to perceive something with your eyes, as in 'I can see the mountains.' Sea is a noun meaning a large body of salt water, as in 'We sailed across the sea.' They sound identical, which is why they are so easily mixed up in writing.
What is the difference between see and look?
To look is to deliberately direct your eyes toward something, while to see is to actually perceive it. You can look at a page without seeing the mistake on it. Looking is the intentional act; seeing is the result of becoming aware of something through your eyes.
What is the difference between see and watch?
You see something when your eyes simply take it in, often without any effort. You watch something when you observe it attentively over a period of time, usually because it moves or changes. You see a bird fly past, but you watch a film from start to finish.
What is an example of see used in a sentence?
'From the window I could see the whole valley below.' Here see means to perceive the valley with the eyes. Other examples include 'Did you see that shooting star?' and 'I can't see anything without my glasses,' all describing visual perception rather than understanding an idea.