sight
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for sight, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The ability to see; vision.
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 sight
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sihþ, related to see — literally "the act or power of seeing".
Full origin of sight →Frequently asked questions
What does “sight” mean?
The word “sight” means the ability to see; vision. In plain terms, the sense of vision, or something seen — plus, informally, "a sight" can mean "a lot" (a sight of trouble).
How do you pronounce “sight”?
“Sight” is pronounced syt (/saɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “sight” in a sentence?
Here is “sight” used in a sentence: “She lost her sight in one eye after the accident.”
What is another word for “sight”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sight” include see, espy, glimpse and spot.
What part of speech is “sight”?
Depending on how it is used, “sight” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sight” come from?
The word “sight” comes from Old English. From Old English sihþ, related to see — literally "the act or power of seeing".
Is “sight” a common word?
“Sight” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “sight” have?
“Sight” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the ability to see; vision.
What is the difference between sight and vision?
'Sight' is the basic physical ability to see — the function of the eyes. 'Vision' means this too, but reaches further: sharpness of sight, or a mental picture of the future, as in a leader's vision. So all vision includes sight, but 'vision' also stretches into imagination and foresight.
Can sight be measured?
Yes. Sight is measured through eye tests, most commonly visual acuity charts that produce figures like 20/20 vision. Opticians also measure field of vision, colour perception, and focusing ability. These tests show how clearly and fully a person sees, and help detect problems that glasses or treatment can correct.
What are the different meanings of 'sight'?
Besides the ability to see, 'sight' means something seen, especially something notable — the sights of a city. It also means the range of vision, as in 'out of sight', a device for aiming a gun, and, informally, a mess — 'you look a sight'. Context makes the meaning clear.
What is the difference between sight, site, and cite?
These sound alike but differ in meaning. 'Sight' is the ability to see, or something seen. 'Site' is a location, such as a building site or a website. 'Cite' is a verb meaning to quote or refer to a source. Confusing their spellings is a very common mistake.