see
See (verb) means to perceive something with the eyes. Example: “I can see the mountains from my window.”
How to use see
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo use your eyes to notice something — or, more broadly, to understand or to meet someone.
Don't confuse with "sea" (the ocean) or the religious noun "see" (a bishop's district), which are pronounced the same.
Word forms
saw past tense, seen past tense, seent past tense, seed past tense, sawn past tense, see plural, saw plural, sees plural, Sees plural, sees singular, see singular, seest singular, saw singular, sawest singular, seeth singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I can _____ the mountains from my window.
Etymology
From Old English seon, "to see, perceive, understand," from a very old Germanic root shared across most Germanic languages.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for see
See all rhymes for 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.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing see in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
Scotland is likely to see the largest amount of cloud, especially in western areas.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include see: