Look vs. See — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 26, 2023
"Look" implies directing one's gaze intentionally, while "See" refers to perceiving or becoming aware visually. "Look" is active; "See" is often passive.
Difference Between Look and See
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Look" and "See" are both verbs related to the sense of sight, but they are utilized in distinct contexts. When someone "looks", they consciously direct their gaze towards something, often with attention or focus. In contrast, when someone "sees", they simply become aware of something through their eyes, without necessarily trying.
To "Look" suggests an intention or purpose. It can denote the act of seeking or searching visually. On the other hand, to "See" is more about the result of that act, the realization or recognition of something once it enters one's visual field.
When someone is told to "Look at that!", it's an invitation to focus their eyes on something specific, to notice details or changes. "See", however, is more about acknowledgment, as in "Do you see what I mean?" Here, "See" relates to understanding or comprehension, not just physical sight.
Context plays a big role. For instance, "Look" can be used when directing someone's attention, like "Look here!" Meanwhile, "See" might indicate a passive observation or an unforeseen discovery, as in "I happened to see an old friend at the store."
In summary, while both "Look" and "See" involve the sense of sight, "Look" leans towards intention and effort, whereas "See" emphasizes perception and awareness.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Intentional action
Passive perception
Focus
Directing gaze
Acknowledging or perceiving
Contextual Use
Seeking or directing attention
Recognizing or understanding
Requires Effort?
Yes, active
No, can be passive
Association
Concentration or intention
Awareness or realization
Compare with Definitions
Look
To direct one's gaze towards something.
He took a moment to look at the painting.
See
To perceive with the eyes.
I can see a bird in that tree.
Look
The appearance of someone or something.
The look of the room was cozy.
See
To experience or witness.
She went to see a Broadway play.
Look
To seem or appear in a certain way.
It looks like it might rain soon.
See
To ensure or check.
See that the doors are locked before leaving.
Look
To employ one's sight, especially in a given direction or on a given object
Looking out the window.
Looked at the floor.
See
Perceive with the eyes; discern visually
Andrew couldn't see out of his left eye
In the distance she could see the blue sea
I can't see into the future
Look
To search
We looked all afternoon but could not find it.
See
Discern or deduce after reflection or from information; understand
I can't see any other way to treat it
She could see what Rhoda meant
I saw that perhaps he was right
Look
To turn one's glance or gaze
Looked to the right.
See
Experience or witness (an event or situation)
I shall not live to see it
I can't bear to see you so unhappy
Look
To turn one's attention; attend
Looked to his neglected guitar during vacation.
Looked at the evidence.
See
Meet (someone one knows) socially or by chance
I saw Colin last night
Look
To turn one's expectations
Looked to us for a solution.
See
Escort or conduct (someone) to a specified place
Don't bother seeing me out
Look
To seem or appear to be
Look morose.
See
Ensure
See that no harm comes to him
Lucy saw to it that everyone got enough to eat
Look
To face in a specified direction
The cottage looks on the river.
See
(in poker or brag) equal the bet of (an opponent) and require them to reveal their cards in order to determine who has won the hand.
Look
To turn one's eyes on
Looked him in the eye.
See
The place in which a cathedral church stands, identified as the seat of authority of a bishop or archbishop.
Look
To convey by one's expression
Looked annoyance at the judge.
Looked his devotion to me.
See
To perceive with the eye
Do you see the hawk in the tree?.
Look
To have an appearance of conformity with
He looks his age. She dressed up to look the part.
See
To detect by means analogous to use of the eye
The surveillance camera saw the intruders.
Look
To appear to be
Looked the fool in one version of the story.
See
To attend or view as a spectator
Saw a play.
Look
The act or instance of looking
I took just one look and I was sure.
See
To refer to or look at
Persons interested in the book's history should see page one of the preface.
Look
A gaze or glance expressive of something
Gave her a mournful look.
See
To become aware of or apprehend
She saw from his expression that he did not want to go.
Look
Appearance or aspect
A look of great age.
See
To find out or ascertain, often by moving
Please see who's knocking.
Look
Looks Physical appearance, especially when pleasing.
See
To take note of; recognize
She sees only the good aspects of the organization.
Look
A distinctive, unified manner of dress or fashion
The preferred look for this fall.
See
To consider to be; regard
Many see her as an inspiring figure.
Look
To try to see, to pay attention to with one’s eyes.
See
To have a mental image of; visualize
They could still see their hometown as it once was.
Look
(intransitive) As an intransitive verb, often with "at".
They kept looking at me.
Don’t look in the closet.
See
To foresee or imagine
I see great things for that child.
Look
As a transitive verb, often in the relative clause as direct object.}}
Look what you did to him!
Look who's back!
See
To know through firsthand experience; undergo or experience
He saw service in the navy. She has seen many changes in her lifetime.
Look
To appear, to seem.
It looks as if it’s going to rain soon.
Our new boss looks to be a lot more friendly.
See
To be characterized by; be the time for
"The 1930s saw the development of sulfa drugs and penicillin" (Gregg Easterbrook).
Look
(copulative) To give an appearance of being.
That painting looks nice.
See
To be subjected to; undergo
This word sees a lot of use in sports.
Look
To search for, to try to find.
See
To visit, meet, or be in the company of
I saw all my aunts and uncles at the reunion.
Look
To face or present a view.
The hotel looks over the valleys of the HinduKush.
See
To share the companionship of as a romantic partner
He's been seeing the same woman for eight years.
Look
To expect or anticipate.
I look to each hour for my lover’s arrival.
See
To visit for consultation
You ought to see your doctor more frequently.
Look
(transitive) To express or manifest by a look.
See
To admit or receive, as for consultation or a social visit
The doctor will see you now.
Look
To make sure of, to see to.
See
To escort; attend
I'm seeing Amy home.
Look
To show oneself in looking.
Look out of the window [i.e. lean out] while I speak to you.
See
To make sure; take care
See that it gets done right away.
Look
To look at; to turn the eyes toward.
See
To meet (a bet) in card games.
Look
To seek; to search for.
See
To meet the bet of (another player).
Look
To influence, overawe, or subdue by looks or presence.
To look down opposition
See
To have the power to perceive with the eyes
Once I got glasses I could see much better.
Look
(baseball) To look at a pitch as a batter without swinging at it.
The fastball caught him looking.
Clem Labine struck Mays out looking at his last at bat.
It's unusual for Mays to strike out looking. He usually takes a cut at it.
See
To have the ability to detect or record visual information
This telescope sees far into space.
Look
Pay attention.
Look, I'm going to explain what to do, so you have to listen closely.
See
To understand; comprehend
As you can see, life in medieval Europe was difficult.
Look
The action of looking; an attempt to see.
Let’s have a look under the hood of the car.
See
To consider
Let's see, which suitcase should we take?.
Look
(often plural) Physical appearance, visual impression.
She got her mother’s looks.
I don’t like the look of the new design.
See
To go and look
She had to see for herself and went into the garage.
Look
A facial expression.
He gave me a dirty look.
If looks could kill ...
See
To ascertain; find out
We probably can do it, but we'll have to see.
Look
To direct the eyes for the purpose of seeing something; to direct the eyes toward an object; to observe with the eyes while keeping them directed; - with various prepositions, often in a special or figurative sense. See Phrases below.
See
To have foresight
"No man can see to the end of time" (John F. Kennedy).
Look
To direct the attention (to something); to consider; to examine; as, to look at an action.
See
The official seat, center of authority, jurisdiction, or office of a bishop.
Look
To seem; to appear; to have a particular appearance; as, the patient looks better; the clouds look rainy.
It would look more like vanity than gratitude.
Observe how such a practice looks in another person.
See
(Obsolete) A cathedra.
Look
To have a particular direction or situation; to face; to front.
The inner gate that looketh to north.
The east gate . . . which looketh eastward.
See
(transitive) To perceive or detect someone or something with the eyes, or as if by sight.
Look
In the imperative: see; behold; take notice; take care; observe; - used to call attention.
Look, how much we thus expel of sin, so much we expel of virtue.
Look that ye bind them fast.
Look if it be my daughter.
See
To witness or observe by personal experience.
Now I've seen it all!
I have been blind since birth and I love to read Braille. When the books arrive in from the library, I can’t wait to see what stories they have sent me.
Look
To show one's self in looking, as by leaning out of a window; as, look out of the window while I speak to you. Sometimes used figuratively.
My toes look through the overleather.
See
To watch (a movie) at a cinema, or a show on television etc.
I saw the latest Tarantino flick last week.
Look
To await the appearance of anything; to expect; to anticipate.
Looking each hour into death's mouth to fall.
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.
My subject does not oblige me to look after the water, or point forth the place where to it is now retreated.
The bishops thereat repined, and looked black.
Her friends would look on her the worse.
I looked on Virgil as a succinct, majestic writer.
I'll be a candleholder, and look on.
See
To form a mental picture of.
Look
To look at; to turn the eyes toward.
See
(figuratively) To understand.
Do you see what I mean?
Look
To seek; to search for.
Looking my love, I go from place to place.
See
To come to a realization of having been mistaken or misled.
They're blind to the damage they do, but someday they'll see.
Look
To expect.
See
(transitive) To foresee, predict, or prophesy.
The oracle saw the destruction of the city.
Look
To influence, overawe, or subdue by looks or presence as, to look down opposition.
A spirit fit to start into an empire,And look the world to law.
See
(used in the imperative) Used to emphasise a proposition.
You see, Johnny, your Dad isn't your real father.
You're not welcome here any more, see?
Look
To express or manifest by a look.
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again.
See
(social) To meet, to visit.
Look
The act of looking; a glance; a sight; a view; - often in certain phrases; as, to have, get, take, throw, or cast, a look.
Threw many a northward look to see his fatherBring up his powers; but he did long in vain.
See
To have an interview with; especially, to make a call upon; to visit.
To go to see a friend
Look
Expression of the eyes and face; manner; as, a proud or defiant look.
Up ! up! my friends, and clear your looks.
See
To date frequently.
I've been seeing her for two months.
Look
Appearance; aspect; as, the house has a gloomy look; the affair has a bad look.
Pain, disgrace, and poverty have frighted looks.
There was something that reminded me of Dante's Hell in the look of this.
See
To visit for a medical appointment.
You should see a doctor about that rash on your arm.
I've been seeing a therapist for three years now.
Look
The expression on a person's face;
A sad expression
A look of triumph
An angry face
See
(transitive; ergative) To be the setting or time of.
The 20th century saw humanity's first space exploration.
1999 saw the release of many great films.
Look
The act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually;
He went out to have a look
His look was fixed on her eyes
He gave it a good looking at
His camera does his looking for him
See
(by extension) To ensure that something happens, especially while witnessing it.
I'll see you hang for this!
I saw that they didn't make any more trouble.
Look
Physical appearance;
I don't like the looks of this place
See
(transitive) To wait upon; attend, escort.
I saw the old lady safely across the road.
You can see yourself out.
Look
The general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people;
The feel of the city excited him
A clergyman improved the tone of the meeting
It had the smell of treason
See
To respond to another player's bet with a bet of equal value.
I'll see your twenty dollars and raise you ten.
Look
Perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards;
She looked over the expanse of land
Look at your child!
Look--a deer in the backyard!
See
To determine by trial or experiment; to find out (if or whether).
I'll come over later and see if I can fix your computer.
You think I can't beat you in a race, eh? We'll see.
Look
Give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect;
She seems to be sleeping
This appears to be a very difficult problem
This project looks fishy
They appeared like people who had not eaten or slept for a long time
See
(used in the imperative) To reference or to study for further details.
Step 4: In the system, check out the laptop to the student (see: "Logging Resources" in the Tutor Manual).
For a complete proof of the Poincaré conjecture, see Appendix C.
Look
Have a certain outward or facial expression;
How does she look?
The child looks unhappy
She looked pale after the surgery
See
To examine something closely, or to utilize something, often as a temporary alternative.
Can I see that lighter for a second? Mine just quit working.
Look
Search or seek;
We looked all day and finally found the child in the forest
Look elsewhere for the perfect gift!
See
To include as one of something's experiences.
The equipment has not seen usage outside of our projects.
I saw military service in Vietnam.
Look
Be oriented in a certain direction, often with respect to another reference point; be opposite to;
The house looks north
My backyard look onto the pond
The building faces the park
See
Introducing an explanation
See, in order to win the full prize we would have to come up with a scheme to land a rover on the Moon.
Look
Take charge of or deal with;
Could you see about lunch?
I must attend to this matter
She took care of this business
See
A diocese, archdiocese; a region of a church, generally headed by a bishop, especially an archbishop.
Look
Convey by one's expression;
She looked her devotion to me
See
The office of a bishop or archbishop; bishopric or archbishopric
Look
Look forward to the probable occurrence of;
We were expecting a visit from our relatives
She is looking to a promotion
He is waiting to be drafted
See
A seat; a site; a place where sovereign power is exercised.
Look
Accord in appearance with;
You don't look your age!
See
A seat; a site; a place where sovereign power is exercised.
Jove laughed on Venus from his sovereign see.
Look
Have faith or confidence in;
You can count on me to help you any time
Look to your friends for support
You can bet on that!
Depend on your family in times of crisis
See
The seat of episcopal power; a diocese; the jurisdiction of a bishop; as, the see of New York.
Look
To seek visually.
She would look for her lost keys.
See
To perceive by the eye; to have knowledge of the existence and apparent qualities of by the organs of sight; to behold; to descry; to view.
I will now turn aside, and see this great sight.
Look
To watch or observe with focus.
Look at the way he dances.
See
To perceive by mental vision; to form an idea or conception of; to note with the mind; to observe; to discern; to distinguish; to understand; to comprehend; to ascertain.
Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren.
Jesus saw that he answered discreetly.
Who's so grossThat seeth not this palpable device?
See
To follow with the eyes, or as with the eyes; to watch; to regard attentively; to look after.
I had a mind to see him out, and therefore did not care for contradicting him.
See
To have an interview with; especially, to make a call upon; to visit; as, to go to see a friend.
And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death.
See
To fall in with; to meet or associate with; to have intercourse or communication with; hence, to have knowledge or experience of; as, to see military service.
Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
Improvement in wisdom and prudence by seeing men.
See
To accompany in person; to escort; to wait upon; as, to see one home; to see one aboard the cars.
See
In poker and similar games at cards, to meet (a bet), or to equal the bet of (a player), by staking the same sum.
See
To have the power of sight, or of perceiving by the proper organs; to possess or employ the sense of vision; as, he sees distinctly.
Whereas I was blind, now I see.
See
Figuratively: To have intellectual apprehension; to perceive; to know; to understand; to discern; - often followed by a preposition, as through, or into.
For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
Many sagacious persons will find us out, . . . and see through all our fine pretensions.
See
To be attentive; to take care; to give heed; - generally with to; as, to see to the house.
See that ye fall not out by the way.
Cassio's a proper man, let me see now, -To get his place.
See
The seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
See
Perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight;
You have to be a good observer to see all the details
Can you see the bird in that tree?
He is blind--he cannot see
See
Perceive (an idea or situation) mentally;
Now I see!
I just can't see your point
Does she realize how important this decision is?
I don't understand the idea
See
Perceive or be contemporaneous with;
We found Republicans winning the offices
You'll see a lot of cheating in this school
I want to see results
The 1960 saw the rebellion of the younger generation against established traditions
I want to see results
See
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
See
Deem to be;
She views this quite differently from me
I consider her to be shallow
I don't see the situation quite as negatively as you do
See
Get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally;
I learned that she has two grown-up children
I see that you have been promoted
See
See or watch;
View a show on television
This program will be seen all over the world
View an exhibition
Catch a show on Broadway
See a movie
See
Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort;
I want to see whether she speaks French
See whether it works
Find out if he speaks Russian
Check whether the train leaves on time
See
Come together;
I'll probably see you at the meeting
How nice to see you again!
See
Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
He verified that the valves were closed
See that the curtains are closed
Control the quality of the product
See
Go to see for professional or business reasons;
You should see a lawyer
We had to see a psychiatrist
See
Go to see for a social visit;
I went to see my friend Mary the other day
See
Visit a place, as for entertainment;
We went to see the Eiffel Tower in the morning
See
Take charge of or deal with;
Could you see about lunch?
I must attend to this matter
She took care of this business
See
Receive as a specified guest;
The doctor will see you now
The minister doesn't see anybody before noon
See
Date regularly; have a steady relationship with;
Did you know that she is seeing an older man?
He is dating his former wife again!
See
See and understand, have a good eye;
The artist must first learn to see
See
Deliberate or decide;
See whether you can come tomorrow
Let's see--which movie should we see tonight?
See
Observe as if with an eye;
The camera saw the burglary and recorded it
See
Observe, check out, and look over carefully or inspect;
The customs agent examined the baggage
I must see your passport before you can enter the country
See
Go or live through;
We had many trials to go through
He saw action in Viet Nam
See
Accompany or escort;
I'll see you to the door
See
Match or meet;
I saw the bet of one of my fellow players
See
Make sense of; assign a meaning to;
What message do you see in this letter?
How do you interpret his behavior?
See
Compare (used in texts to point the reader to another location in the text)
See
To understand or comprehend.
Now I see what you're getting at.
See
To meet or visit someone.
I'm going to see my grandmother this weekend.
Common Curiosities
Can "See" mean understanding?
Yes, "See" can mean to understand or grasp a concept, like "I see your point."
Is "Looking" always deliberate?
Typically, "Looking" is intentional, but it can be used casually, like "just looking" in a store.
Can "Look" be used as a noun?
Yes, "Look" can refer to one's appearance or style, as in "a new look."
Can "See" refer to dating someone?
Yes, "Seeing someone" can mean dating or being in a relationship with them.
Is "Look" always visual?
Primarily, but it can be metaphorical, like "Look to the future."
Can "Look" also refer to appearance?
Yes, "Look" can mean the appearance of someone or something, as in "I like your look today."
If my eyes are open, does it mean I always "See" everything?
No, you might not "See" or notice everything even if your eyes are open.
Can "See" mean envisioning?
Yes, "See" can mean to imagine or envision, like "I see a bright future for you."
How is "See" used when ending conversations?
It can be a way of saying goodbye, like "See you later!"
How is "See" used in meetings or appointments?
"See" can mean to visit or meet, like "I will see the doctor at 3 pm."
Is "Looking at" the same as "Seeing"?
Not always. You can "Look at" something without truly "Seeing" or noticing its details.
Why might someone say "Look out!"?
It's a warning to be careful or to pay attention to a potential danger.
Can "See" be used in future planning?
Yes, as in "We'll see how things go."
If I "Look" at a painting, does it mean I "See" all its details?
Not necessarily. "Looking" is directing gaze, while "Seeing" implies noticing and perceiving details.
How might "Look" be used in encouragement?
"Look" can be used to direct focus, as in "Look on the bright side."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
