Ask Difference

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

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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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In summary, while both "Look" and "See" involve the sense of sight, "Look" leans towards intention and effort, whereas "See" emphasizes perception and awareness.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Nature

Intentional action
Passive perception
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Focus

Directing gaze
Acknowledging or perceiving
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Contextual Use

Seeking or directing attention
Recognizing or understanding
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Requires Effort?

Yes, active
No, can be passive
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Association

Concentration or intention
Awareness or realization
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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Compare with Definitions

Look

To direct one's gaze towards something.
He took a moment to look at the painting.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

See

To perceive with the eyes.
I can see a bird in that tree.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

Look

The appearance of someone or something.
The look of the room was cozy.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

See

To experience or witness.
She went to see a Broadway play.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

Look

To seem or appear in a certain way.
It looks like it might rain soon.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

See

To ensure or check.
See that the doors are locked before leaving.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

Look

To employ one's sight, especially in a given direction or on a given object
Looking out the window.
Looked at the floor.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To search
We looked all afternoon but could not find it.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To turn one's glance or gaze
Looked to the right.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Experience or witness (an event or situation)
I shall not live to see it
I can't bear to see you so unhappy
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To turn one's attention; attend
Looked to his neglected guitar during vacation.
Looked at the evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Meet (someone one knows) socially or by chance
I saw Colin last night
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To turn one's expectations
Looked to us for a solution.
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Aug 08, 2021

See

Escort or conduct (someone) to a specified place
Don't bother seeing me out
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Aug 08, 2021

Look

To seem or appear to be
Look morose.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Ensure
See that no harm comes to him
Lucy saw to it that everyone got enough to eat
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To face in a specified direction
The cottage looks on the river.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To turn one's eyes on
Looked him in the eye.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

The place in which a cathedral church stands, identified as the seat of authority of a bishop or archbishop.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To convey by one's expression
Looked annoyance at the judge.
Looked his devotion to me.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To perceive with the eye
Do you see the hawk in the tree?.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To have an appearance of conformity with
He looks his age. She dressed up to look the part.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To detect by means analogous to use of the eye
The surveillance camera saw the intruders.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To appear to be
Looked the fool in one version of the story.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To attend or view as a spectator
Saw a play.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

The act or instance of looking
I took just one look and I was sure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To refer to or look at
Persons interested in the book's history should see page one of the preface.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

A gaze or glance expressive of something
Gave her a mournful look.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To become aware of or apprehend
She saw from his expression that he did not want to go.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Appearance or aspect
A look of great age.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To find out or ascertain, often by moving
Please see who's knocking.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Looks Physical appearance, especially when pleasing.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To take note of; recognize
She sees only the good aspects of the organization.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

A distinctive, unified manner of dress or fashion
The preferred look for this fall.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To consider to be; regard
Many see her as an inspiring figure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To try to see, to pay attention to with one’s eyes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To have a mental image of; visualize
They could still see their hometown as it once was.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

(intransitive) As an intransitive verb, often with "at".
They kept looking at me.
Don’t look in the closet.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To foresee or imagine
I see great things for that child.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

As a transitive verb, often in the relative clause as direct object.}}
Look what you did to him!
Look who's back!
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To know through firsthand experience; undergo or experience
He saw service in the navy. She has seen many changes in her lifetime.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To be characterized by; be the time for
"The 1930s saw the development of sulfa drugs and penicillin" (Gregg Easterbrook).
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

(copulative) To give an appearance of being.
That painting looks nice.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To be subjected to; undergo
This word sees a lot of use in sports.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To search for, to try to find.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To visit, meet, or be in the company of
I saw all my aunts and uncles at the reunion.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To face or present a view.
The hotel looks over the valleys of the HinduKush.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To share the companionship of as a romantic partner
He's been seeing the same woman for eight years.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To expect or anticipate.
I look to each hour for my lover’s arrival.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To visit for consultation
You ought to see your doctor more frequently.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

(transitive) To express or manifest by a look.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To admit or receive, as for consultation or a social visit
The doctor will see you now.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To make sure of, to see to.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To escort; attend
I'm seeing Amy home.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To show oneself in looking.
Look out of the window [i.e. lean out] while I speak to you.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To make sure; take care
See that it gets done right away.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To look at; to turn the eyes toward.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To meet (a bet) in card games.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To seek; to search for.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To meet the bet of (another player).
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To influence, overawe, or subdue by looks or presence.
To look down opposition
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To have the power to perceive with the eyes
Once I got glasses I could see much better.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To have the ability to detect or record visual information
This telescope sees far into space.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Pay attention.
Look, I'm going to explain what to do, so you have to listen closely.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To understand; comprehend
As you can see, life in medieval Europe was difficult.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

The action of looking; an attempt to see.
Let’s have a look under the hood of the car.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To consider
Let's see, which suitcase should we take?.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

(often plural) Physical appearance, visual impression.
She got her mother’s looks.
I don’t like the look of the new design.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To go and look
She had to see for herself and went into the garage.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

A facial expression.
He gave me a dirty look.
If looks could kill ...
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To ascertain; find out
We probably can do it, but we'll have to see.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To have foresight
"No man can see to the end of time" (John F. Kennedy).
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To direct the attention (to something); to consider; to examine; as, to look at an action.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

The official seat, center of authority, jurisdiction, or office of a bishop.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

(Obsolete) A cathedra.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

(transitive) To perceive or detect someone or something with the eyes, or as if by sight.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To watch (a movie) at a cinema, or a show on television etc.
I saw the latest Tarantino flick last week.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To form a mental picture of.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To look at; to turn the eyes toward.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

(figuratively) To understand.
Do you see what I mean?
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To seek; to search for.
Looking my love, I go from place to place.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To expect.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

(transitive) To foresee, predict, or prophesy.
The oracle saw the destruction of the city.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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?
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To express or manifest by a look.
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

(social) To meet, to visit.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To have an interview with; especially, to make a call upon; to visit.
To go to see a friend
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Expression of the eyes and face; manner; as, a proud or defiant look.
Up ! up! my friends, and clear your looks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To date frequently.
I've been seeing her for two months.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

The expression on a person's face;
A sad expression
A look of triumph
An angry face
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Physical appearance;
I don't like the looks of this place
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

(transitive) To wait upon; attend, escort.
I saw the old lady safely across the road.
You can see yourself out.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To respond to another player's bet with a bet of equal value.
I'll see your twenty dollars and raise you ten.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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!
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Have a certain outward or facial expression;
How does she look?
The child looks unhappy
She looked pale after the surgery
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Search or seek;
We looked all day and finally found the child in the forest
Look elsewhere for the perfect gift!
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Take charge of or deal with;
Could you see about lunch?
I must attend to this matter
She took care of this business
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

A diocese, archdiocese; a region of a church, generally headed by a bishop, especially an archbishop.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Convey by one's expression;
She looked her devotion to me
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

The office of a bishop or archbishop; bishopric or archbishopric
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

A seat; a site; a place where sovereign power is exercised.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

Accord in appearance with;
You don't look your age!
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

A seat; a site; a place where sovereign power is exercised.
Jove laughed on Venus from his sovereign see.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

The seat of episcopal power; a diocese; the jurisdiction of a bishop; as, the see of New York.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To seek visually.
She would look for her lost keys.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

Look

To watch or observe with focus.
Look at the way he dances.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

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?
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To accompany in person; to escort; to wait upon; as, to see one home; to see one aboard the cars.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

The seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Come together;
I'll probably see you at the meeting
How nice to see you again!
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Go to see for professional or business reasons;
You should see a lawyer
We had to see a psychiatrist
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Go to see for a social visit;
I went to see my friend Mary the other day
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Visit a place, as for entertainment;
We went to see the Eiffel Tower in the morning
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Take charge of or deal with;
Could you see about lunch?
I must attend to this matter
She took care of this business
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Receive as a specified guest;
The doctor will see you now
The minister doesn't see anybody before noon
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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!
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

See and understand, have a good eye;
The artist must first learn to see
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Deliberate or decide;
See whether you can come tomorrow
Let's see--which movie should we see tonight?
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Observe as if with an eye;
The camera saw the burglary and recorded it
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

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
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Go or live through;
We had many trials to go through
He saw action in Viet Nam
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Accompany or escort;
I'll see you to the door
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Match or meet;
I saw the bet of one of my fellow players
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Make sense of; assign a meaning to;
What message do you see in this letter?
How do you interpret his behavior?
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

Compare (used in texts to point the reader to another location in the text)
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 08, 2021

See

To understand or comprehend.
Now I see what you're getting at.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

See

To meet or visit someone.
I'm going to see my grandmother this weekend.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 19, 2023

Common Curiosities

Can "See" mean understanding?

Yes, "See" can mean to understand or grasp a concept, like "I see your point."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Is "Looking" always deliberate?

Typically, "Looking" is intentional, but it can be used casually, like "just looking" in a store.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Can "Look" be used as a noun?

Yes, "Look" can refer to one's appearance or style, as in "a new look."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Can "See" refer to dating someone?

Yes, "Seeing someone" can mean dating or being in a relationship with them.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Is "Look" always visual?

Primarily, but it can be metaphorical, like "Look to the future."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Can "Look" also refer to appearance?

Yes, "Look" can mean the appearance of someone or something, as in "I like your look today."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Can "See" mean envisioning?

Yes, "See" can mean to imagine or envision, like "I see a bright future for you."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

How is "See" used when ending conversations?

It can be a way of saying goodbye, like "See you later!"
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

How is "See" used in meetings or appointments?

"See" can mean to visit or meet, like "I will see the doctor at 3 pm."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Is "Looking at" the same as "Seeing"?

Not always. You can "Look at" something without truly "Seeing" or noticing its details.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Why might someone say "Look out!"?

It's a warning to be careful or to pay attention to a potential danger.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Can "See" be used in future planning?

Yes, as in "We'll see how things go."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

How might "Look" be used in encouragement?

"Look" can be used to direct focus, as in "Look on the bright side."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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