see
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++see1 /siː/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense saw /sɔː $ sɒː/, past participle seen /siːn/) 1 notice/examine 注意/察看 [transitive]NOTICEEXAMINE to notice or examine someone or something, using your eyes 看见，看到 The moment we saw the house, we knew we wanted to buy it. 我们一看到这房子就知道我们要买。 He crouched down so he couldn’t be seen. 他蹲下来好让别人看不见他。 Can I see your ticket, please? 我能看看你的票吗？ I saw the offer advertised in the newspaper. 我在报纸上看到这个减价的广告。can/can’t see You can see the Houses of Parliament from here. 从这里看得到议会大厦。see where/what/who etc Can you see where the marks are on the wall? 你能看出墙上哪里有污迹吗？see (that) He saw that she was crying. 他看到她在哭。see somebody/something do something I saw him leave a few minutes ago. 我看见他几分钟前离开的。see somebody/something doing something The suspect was seen entering the building. 有人看到疑犯进入了大楼。 As you can see, the house needs some work doing on it. 你也看到了，这房子需要整修了。 Have you seen Chris (=do you know where he is)? 你见过克里斯吗？ The accommodation was so awful it had to be seen to be believed (=you would not believe it if you did not see it yourself). 住宿条件太糟了，不是亲眼所见是不会相信的。 →5 see picture at 见图 look12 notice STH is true 注意到某事属实 [transitive] to notice that something is happening or that something is true 注意到，看到，留意到 More money must be invested if we are to see an improvement in services. 如果我们想要服务质量有所提高，就必须投入更多的资金。 After a month’s practice, you should see a difference in your playing. 经过一个月的练习，你应该能看出自己演奏上的变化。 Seeing his distress, Louise put her arm around him. 看到他难过，路易丝伸出手搂着他。 I would like to see changes in the way the course is run. 我希望看到这门课程的设置有所改变。 ‘You’re not denying it, I see, ’ he said coldly. “你并没有否认，我看出来了。”他冷冷地说道。see (that) I can see you’re not very happy with the situation. 我看得出来，你对这种局面不是十分满意。3 ability to see 视力 [intransitive, transitive]SIGHT/ABILITY TO SEE to be able to use your eyes to look at things and know what they are 看得见，看得清楚can/can’t see From the tower, you can see for miles. 从这座塔上可以看到好几英里远。 I can’t see a thing without my glasses. 我不戴眼镜什么也看不见。not see to do something His eyes are so bad that he can’t see to read anymore. 他的视力太差，根本没法再看书。4 find out information 发现信息 [intransitive, transitive]FIND OUT to find out information or a fact 查看，发现〔信息或事实〕5 in the future 在将来 [intransitive, transitive]FIND OUT to find out about something in the future 弄清楚，看一看6 where information is 信息的出处 [transitive] especially writtenFIND OUT used to tell you where you can find information 参阅，见7 understand 理解 [intransitive, transitive]UNDERSTAND to understand or realize something 明白，理解，认识到8 watch 观看 [transitive]AWATCH to watch a television programme, play, film etc 看，观看〔电视节目、戏剧、电影等〕9 consider SB/STH 考虑某人/某事 [transitive]THINK/HAVE THE OPINION THAT to think about or consider someone or something in a particular way, or as having particular qualities 〔以特定方式〕考虑，看待10 see what somebody/something can do spoken11 I’ll see what I can do spoken used to say that you will try to help someone 我来想办法帮忙12 see you spokenGOODBYE used to say goodbye when you know you will see someone again 再见13 visit 探访 [transitive]MEET to visit or meet someone 看望，探访；会见14 meet by chance 偶然遇见 [transitive]MEET to meet someone by chance 偶然遇见，碰见15 have a meeting 会见 [transitive]MEET to have an arranged meeting with someone 约见，接待16 spend time with SB 与某人在一起 [transitive]SPEND TIME to spend time with someone 与…来往，与…见面17 be seeing somebody RELATIONSHIPto be having a romantic relationship with someone 与某人谈恋爱18 imagine 想象 [transitive]IMAGINE to imagine that something may happen in the future 想象，设想19 seeing as (how) informal (also seeing that)ALTHOUGH used before giving a reason for what you are saying 考虑到，既然20 see something for what it is (also see somebody for what they are)REALIZE to realize that someone or something is not as good or nice as they seem 认为某事[某人]不过如此21 make sure 确保 [transitive]CHECK/MAKE SURE to make sure or check that something is done 确保，查明22 experience STH 经历某事 [transitive] to experience something 经历23 time/place 时间/地方 [transitive]EXIST if a time or place has seen a particular event or situation, it happened or existed in that time or place 〔某个时间或地点〕遭受，历经24 let me see (also let’s see) spokenREMEMBER used when you are trying to remember something 让我想想25 I don’t see why not spokenYES used to say ‘yes’ in answer to a request 当然可以，好啊〔用于表示答应某人的请求〕26 go with SB 陪同某人 [transitive always + adverb/preposition]HELP to go somewhere with someone to make sure they are safe 伴送，陪伴27 be seeing things IMAGINEto imagine that you see someone or something which is not really there 产生幻觉，见神见鬼28. see double if you see double, something is wrong with your eyes, so that you see two things when there is only one 看到重影，眼花29 have seen better days informalCONDITION/STATE OF something to be in a bad condition 已经破败，已经破旧30 be glad/pleased etc to see the back of somebody/something British English spokenGET RID OF to be pleased when someone leaves or when you get rid of something, because you do not like them 巴不得某人离开/巴不得摆脱某物31 see the last of somebody/something 32 see the light 33 see the light of day 34 see red to become very angry 气得发疯35. not see somebody for dust British English informal if you do not see someone for dust, they leave a place very quickly in order to avoid something 不见某人踪影，某人拔脚开溜〔指某人为逃避某事而迅速离开〕36 see eye to eye [usually in negatives] if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other 〔两个人〕观点相同，看法一致37 seen one ... seen them all informal used to say that something is boring because it is very similar to other things 看过一个就够了38 see your way (clear) to doing something formalHELP to be able and willing to do something 有能力并愿意做某事39 (see and) be seen NOTICEto look at or be noticed by important or fashionable people （认识别人和）被别人认识40. not see the wood for the trees (also not see the forest for the trees American English)UNDERSTAND# to be unable to understand what is important in a situation because you are thinking too much about small details rather than the whole situation 见树不见林，抓不住重点〔因注重细节而忽略整体〕41 see something coming PREDICTto realize that there is going to be a problem before it actually happens 意识到要出问题，看得出要出乱子42 see somebody coming (a mile off) British English spokenWILLING to recognize that someone will be easy to trick or deceive 看出某人容易上当受骗43 see somebody right British English spokenGIVE to make sure that someone gets what they need or want, especially money 照应某人44 not see that it matters spoken to think that something is not important 认为某事无关紧要45. game of cards 纸牌游戏 [transitive]DGG to risk the same amount of money as your opponent in a card game 与〔对方〕下同样的赌注 → it remains to be seen at remain(5), → see fit (to do something) at fit2(3), → wouldn’t be seen dead at dead1(12)n GRAMMAR: Using the progressive • In meanings 1,2, 3,9, 14, and 18, see is not used in the progressive. You say: I see Tina over there.I suddenly saw the difference. ✗Don’t say: I am seeing Tina over there. | I was suddenly seeing the difference.• See is often used with can: I can see Tina over there.I could suddenly see the difference. THESAURUSsee to notice something with your eyes, usually without planning to. Also used when saying that you watched a particular programme, film, game etc 看见,看到；观看〔节目、电影、比赛等〕Have you seen my keys anywhere? 你有没有在哪里看到过我的钥匙？Did you see the basketball game last night? 昨天晚上你看篮球比赛了吗？look at somebody/something to keep your eyes pointed toward someone or something, especially someone or something that is not moving 看某人/某物〔尤指静止的人或物〕I looked at the map. 我看了地图。She was looking at him in a strange way. 她正奇怪地看着他。notice to see something interesting or unusual 注意到〔有趣或异常的事〕I noticed a police car outside their house. 我注意到他们房子外面停着一辆警车。spot to suddenly see something, especially something you are looking for 突然发现〔尤指正在寻找的东西〕Nick spotted the advertisement in the paper. 尼克在报纸上看到了这则广告。catch sight of/catch a glimpse of (also glimpse formal) to suddenly see someone or something for a short time, usually not clearly 突然看到,瞥见〔常指看得不清楚〕I caught sight of him in the hotel lobby, and followed him out the door. 我在酒店大堂里瞥见他,便跟着他出了门。He glimpsed her face as she went into the courtroom. 她走进法庭时,他瞥见了她的脸。make out somebody/something to see something, but only with difficulty 〔勉强〕看出某人/某物Ahead, I could just make out the figure of a woman. 前面我只看得出是一个女人的身影。witness to see something happen, especially a crime or an accident 亲眼看见,目击〔尤指看到罪案或事故〕The police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward. 警方呼吁这起袭击事件的目击者出来作证。observe formal to see and pay attention to something 观察到,注意到Officers observed him driving at 100 mph. 警官注意到他的行驶速度是每小时100英里。sight especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time 看见,发现〔尤指找了很久的人或物〕The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter. 失踪的男孩们被一架救援直升机发现。The crew finally sighted land. 船员们终于看到了陆地。nUnable to seeblind unable to see anythingShe has been blind from birth.partially-sighted not able to see things very well, although not completely blindGood lighting can be very important for partially sighted people.visually handicapped/impaired completely blind or not able to see very much – used especially in official reports, forms etca special school for visually impaired children PHRASAL VERBS→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
see• "Is he ready yet?" "I don't know - I'll go and see."• "It goes in the red box, here." "Oh, I see."• Dr Thomas is seeing a client at 2:30.• He saw a man get out of the car and walk to the side of the road.• Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?• Ally has been seeing an analyst for years.• Dr. McNeil had never seen an injury like this before.• Can you see any reason why it shouldn't work?• Danielle's still too sick to see anyone today.• Dad doesn't see as well as he used to.• Can't you see I'm eating?• 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!'• Hi, I'm here to see Mary Jorgensen.• "I've come to see Mr. Greene about a job, " he said nervously.• Have you seen my pen anywhere?• He's just one of those people who never seem to see the joke.• Did you see the news last night?• At fourteen, he couldn't see the point of staying in school.• Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?• Can you see who's at the door?can/can’t see• Newborn babies can see only blurred shapes.• Hey, you can see the Empire State Building from here.not see to do something• And the Liverpool Society warns of the threat of external interference if the profession is not seen to be demonstrating effective self-regulation.• The point is this: trust is only applauded when it is not seen to be misplaced.• The physical cosmos does not see to be necessary.• Nevertheless, many argued that, once again, Mr Yeltsin was not seen to be taking charge when most needed.• If the alliance were not seen to make progress, it might go into reverse.• My eyes were now very bad, and I could not see to read.• On those days Oliver could not see to work in his dark little office past four thirty.see what/how/when etc• If you could see what is going to happen in the future, you could change it.• In all probability you will also see how not to lay them out.• It remains to be seen how quickly green consumerism, that most middle class of activities, can sort this out.• You should have seen what she was wearing.• Every time the phone rang he saw how still she sat, how she seemed to stop breathing.• In this chapter and the next, we shall see what the civilized culture of Sumer was like.• To see how the ripples form.• The more he needed people, the more he saw how unreliable they were.see if/whether• He said he wanted to see if I could still do it.• People will look at it and see if it has relevance for them.• I wanted to see if it was true.• This reality can be seen if one looks at the wage structure from the perspective of male high school graduates.• Rather, offer the suggestion and see if there is interest.• He wanted to go to see if these most unbelievable things could be true.• I look at them closely to see if this purpose is illusory, but I can't tell.• As soon as I received them I rang Rod Aspinwall to see if we could travel down together.see why/what/how etc• She saw what appeared to be a bundle of rags lying on the pavement.• You can see what attractions lie along your route, or base your route on the attractions you prefer.• Her depleted tray cooling fast, she moved on to see what else she could find.• Hidden charges on bank accounts are not helpful to anyone trying to see what is happening to their money.• We have seen how McClellan's system provides a framework for building up the bookstock at each service point.• Earlier we saw how spiral images may have derived from snails and other natural forms, from sea shells to galaxies.• We can see how these experiences enhance a hands-on, integrated approach.• If you have healthy young children, observe them closely and see what you can find out for yourself.see somebody/something as something• Climbers see the Himalayas as the final frontier.see somebody about something• Why don't you see Bryan about the job?seeing a lot of• We reproduce it here with their logo which you will seeing a lot of in the months ahead.• We are seeing a lot of proposed legislation at the state level as well.• I was seeing lots of things different.see to it• Tim Littler has seen to it that guests will sample some of the great wines of the world with their dinner.• And the gods, who are always alert to such things, saw to it that he should fall into competent hands.• I told her ladyship and she saw to it that he was got rid of.• They would see to it that he went on no voyage.• It seems that it never occurred to Rosa Lee to see to it that her kids had a decent education.• He will see to it that his office arrangements are parallel with the professional plane he has reached.• So you'd better see to it that Luke and Sonny don't go often to the village.• He saw to it that she did not kiss him goodbye.seen it all before• Andy Cushing - seen it all before.• He knew what would happen to him, because he had seen it all before.• He surveyed the encompassing scene in the cool, calm and collected manner of some one who had seen it all before.• I learnt things that are neither discussed in manuals nor by hardened divers who have seen it all before.• The mine inspectors in the field work only with their wits and the confidence that they have seen it all before.• They had seen it all before.• The stewardess has seen it all before and rounds them up, herding them into the aircraft.see ... home• Habash never again saw his boyhood home.• Perhaps there is no greater feeling of powerlessness, and despair, than seeing a home fill up with water.• The students spend half the week in the practice, where they see patients at home or in the surgery.• Darlington County Court, which also covers Northallerton and Richmond, in 1991 saw 565 homes repossessed for non-payment of mortgages.• I've seen the homes they live in-mud-floored shacks with no sanitation or direct access to running water.• Readers were able to see if their home was at risk or not.• I was a traveler returning to a cozy home, able to see that home with new eyes.see2 noun [countable] 1.RRCan area governed by a bishop 主教教区Examples from the Corpus
see• But the see of London is work for the physically strong, not for declining energy.• He could manage the see of London.Origin see1 Old English seon see2 (1200-1300) Old French se, from Latin sedes “seat”see1 verb →10-19 →20-29 →30-45
→40-45 →n GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2
→n GRAMMAR3 →THESAURUS1 →PHRASAL VERBS1see2 nounLDOCE OnlineChinese
→40-45 →n GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2
→n GRAMMAR3 →THESAURUS1 →PHRASAL VERBS1see2 nounLDOCE OnlineChinese
examine someone notice Corpus or or something, to using
see
see1 S1 W1 /siː/ 
verb (past tense saw /sɔː $ sɒː/, past participle seen /siːn/)
The moment we saw the house, we knew we wanted to buy it.
He crouched down so he couldn’t be seen.
Can I see your ticket, please?
I saw the offer advertised in the newspaper.
can/can’t see
You can see the Houses of Parliament from here.
see where/what/who etc
Can you see where the marks are on the wall?
see (that)
He saw that she was crying.
see somebody/something do something
I saw him leave a few minutes ago.
see somebody/something doing something
The suspect was seen entering the building.
As you can see , the house needs some work doing on it.
Have you seen Chris (=do you know where he is)?
The accommodation was so awful it had to be seen to be believed (=you would not believe it if you did not see it yourself).
2. NOTICE SOMETHING IS TRUE [transitive not in progressive] to notice that something is happening or that something is true:
More money must be invested if we are to see an improvement in services.
After a month’s practice, you should see a difference in your playing.
Seeing his distress, Louise put her arm around him.
I would like to see changes in the way the course is run.
‘You’re not denying it, I see,’ he said coldly.
see (that)
I can see you’re not very happy with the situation.
3. ABILITY TO SEE [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to be able to use your eyes to look at things and know what they are
can/can’t see
From the tower, you can see for miles.
I can’t see a thing without my glasses.
not see to do something
His eyes are so bad that he can’t see to read anymore.
4. FIND OUT INFORMATION [intransitive and transitive] to find out information or a fact
see what/how/when etc
I’ll call him and see how the job interview went.
She went outside to see what was happening.
see if/whether
I’ve just come to see if you want to go out for a drink.
These chocolates are gorgeous. Try some and see for yourself (=find out if it is true).
By looking at this leaflet, you can see at a glance (=find out very easily) how much a loan will cost.
it can be seen that/we can see that
From this graph, it can be seen that some people are more susceptible to the disease.
As we have seen in chapter four, women’s pay is generally less than men’s.
5. IN THE FUTURE [intransitive and transitive] to find out about something in the future
see if/whether
It will be interesting to see if he makes it into the team.
see how/what/when etc
I might come – I’ll see how I feel tomorrow.
Let’s try it and see what happens.
‘Can we go to the zoo, Dad?’ ‘We’ll see.’ (=used when you do not want to make a decision immediately)
‘How long can you stay?’ ‘I’ll have to see. It depends (=used when you cannot make a decision immediately).’
We’ll just have to wait and see.
see how it goes/see how things go (=used when you are going to do something and will deal with problems if they happen)
I don’t know. We’ll just have to see how it goes on Sunday.
Things will work out, you’ll see (=you will find out that I am right).
6. WHERE INFORMATION IS [transitive only in imperative] especially written used to tell you where you can find information:
See p. 58.
See press for details.
see above/below
The results are shown in Table 7a (see below).
7. UNDERSTAND [intransitive and transitive] to understand or realize something
see why/what/how etc
I can’t see why he’s so upset.
I see what you mean (=I understand what you are saying).
‘He lives here but works in London during the week.’ ‘Oh, I see (=I understand).’
You see , the thing is, I’m really busy right now (=used when you are explaining something).
You mix the flour and eggs like this, see (=used to check that someone is listening and understands)?
I can’t see the point of (=I do not understand the reason for) spending so much money on a car.
Do you see the point I’m making (=do you understand what I’m trying to say)?
The other officers laughed, but Nichols couldn’t see the joke.
see reason/sense (=realize that you are wrong or doing something stupid)
I just can’t get her to see reason__
8. WATCH [transitive] to watch a television programme, play, film etc:
Did you see that programme on monkeys last night?
We’re going to see ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tonight.
9. CONSIDER SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [transitive] to think about or consider someone or something in a particular way, or as having particular qualities:
Having a child makes you see things differently.
Violence is seen in different ways by different people.
as somebody sees it/the way somebody sees it (=used to give someone’s opinion)
As I see it, you don’t have any choice.
The way I see it, we have two options.
see somebody/something as something
I see the job as a challenge.
see yourself as something
He saw himself as a failure.
be seen as (being) something
The peace talks are seen as a sign of hope.
This type of work is often seen as boring.
be seen to be (doing) something
Teachers need to be seen to be in control.
The government must be seen to be doing something about the rise in violent crime.
10. see what somebody/something can do spoken
a. to find out if someone can deal with a situation or problem
see what somebody/something can do about
I’ll call them again and see what they can do about it.
b. to find out how good someone or something is at what they are supposed to be able to do:
Let’s take the Porsche out to the racetrack and see what it can do__
11. I’ll see what I can do spoken used to say that you will try to help someone:
Leave the papers with me and I’ll see what I can do.
12. see you spoken used to say goodbye when you know you will see someone again
see you tomorrow/at three/Sunday etc
See you Friday – your place at 8:30.
see you later (=see you soon, or later in the same day)
see you in a bit British English (=see you soon)
see you in a while (=see you soon)
(I’ll) be seeing you__ (=see you soon)
13. VISIT [transitive] to visit or meet someone:
I’ll be seeing her tomorrow night.
I haven’t seen her since we left school.
She’s too sick to see anyone right now.
14. MEET BY CHANCE [transitive not in progressive] to meet someone by chance:
I saw Jane while I was out.
15. HAVE A MEETING [transitive] to have an arranged meeting with someone:
Mr Thomas is seeing a client at 2:30.
She was seen by a doctor but didn’t need hospital treatment.
see somebody about something (=see someone to discuss something)
I have to see my teacher about my grades.
16. SPEND TIME WITH SOMEBODY [transitive] to spend time with someone:
They’ve been seeing a lot of each other.
see more/less of somebody (=see someone more or less often)
They’ve seen more of each other since Dan moved to London.
17. be seeing somebody to be having a romantic relationship with someone:
Is she seeing anyone at the moment?
18. IMAGINE [transitive not in progressive] to imagine that something may happen in the future:
He could see a great future for her in music.
can’t see somebody/something doing something
I can’t see him winning, can you?
She’s got a new book coming out, but I can’t see it doing very well.
see somebody as something (=be able to imagine someone being something)
I just can’t see her as a ballet dancer.
19. seeing as (how) informal (also seeing that) used before giving a reason for what you are saying:
‘I might as well do something useful, seeing as I’m back,’ she said.
20. see something for what it is (also see somebody for what they are) to realize that someone or something is not as good or nice as they seem:
They are unimpressed with the scheme and rightly see it for what it is.
21. MAKE SURE [transitive not in progressive] to make sure or check that something is done
see (that)
It’s up to you to see that the job’s done properly.
Please see that the lights are switched off before you leave.
Don’t worry – I’ll see to it.
The hotel’s owners see to it that their guests are given every luxury.
22. EXPERIENCE SOMETHING [transitive not in progressive] to experience something:
She was so sick that doctors didn’t think she’d live to see her first birthday.
I never thought I’d live to see the day when women became priests.
She’s seen it all before (=has experienced so much that nothing surprises her) in her long career. ⇨ been there, seen that, done that at been(3)
23. TIME/PLACE [transitive] if a time or place has seen a particular event or situation, it happened or existed in that time or place:
This year has seen a big increase in road accidents.
The city has seen plenty of violence over the years.
24. let me see (also let’s see) spoken used when you are trying to remember something:
Let me see ... where did I put that letter?
25. I don’t see why not spoken used to say ‘yes’ in answer to a request:
‘Can we go to the park?’ ‘I don’t see why not.’
26. GO WITH SOMEBODY [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to go somewhere with someone to make sure they are safe:
My mother used to see me across the road.
I’ll get Nick to see you home.
Let me see you to the door (=go with you to the door, to say goodbye).
27. be seeing things to imagine that you see someone or something which is not really there:
There’s no one there – you must be seeing things.
28. see double if you see double, something is wrong with your eyes, so that you see two things when there is only one
29. have seen better days informal to be in a bad condition:
Her hat had seen better days.
30. be glad/pleased etc to see the back of somebody/something British English spoken to be pleased when someone leaves or when you get rid of something, because you do not like them:
I’ll be glad to see the back of him.
31. see the last of somebody/something
a. to not see someone or something again, especially someone or something you do not like:
I thought we’d seen the last of him.
It was a relief to see the last of them.
b. to not have to deal with something any more:
Police hoped they’d seen the last of the joyriding.
We may not have seen the last of this controversy.
32. see the light
a. to realize that something is true:
She finally saw the light and ended the relationship.
b. to have a special experience that makes you believe in a religion
33. see the light of day
a. if something sees the light of day, it is brought out so that people can see it:
This decision will ensure that the Pentagon Papers never see the light of day.
b. to start to exist:
This type of PC first saw the light of day in 1981.
34. see red to become very angry:
The thought of Pierre with Nicole had made her see red.
35. not see somebody for dust British English informal if you do not see someone for dust, they leave a place very quickly in order to avoid something
36. see eye to eye [usually in negatives] if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other:
We didn’t exactly see eye to eye.
see eye to eye with
I don’t always see eye to eye with my father.
see eye to eye on/about
We don’t see eye to eye on business issues.
37. seen one ... seen them all informal used to say that something is boring because it is very similar to other things:
When you’ve seen one of these programmes, you’ve seen them all.
38. see your way (clear) to doing something formal to be able and willing to do something:
Small companies cannot see their way to taking on many trainees.
39. (see and) be seen to look at or be noticed by important or fashionable people:
Royal Ascot is the place to see and be seen.
40. not see the wood for the trees (also not see the forest for the trees American English) to be unable to understand what is important in a situation because you are thinking too much about small details rather than the whole situation
41. see something coming to realize that there is going to be a problem before it actually happens:
John’s going to have a lot of trouble with him. You can see it coming.
42. see somebody coming (a mile off) British English spoken to recognize that someone will be easy to trick or deceive:
You paid £500 for that__ They must have seen you coming__
43. see somebody right British English spoken to make sure that someone gets what they need or want, especially money:
Just do this for me and I’ll see you right.
Tell the landlord I sent you and he’ll see you right.
44. not see that it matters spoken to think that something is not important:
I can’t see that it matters what I think.
45. GAME OF CARDS [transitive] to risk the same amount of money as your opponent in a card game ⇨ it remains to be seen at remain(5), ⇨ see fit (to do something) at fit2(3), ⇨ wouldn’t be seen dead at dead1(12)
▪ see to notice something with your eyes, usually without planning to. Also used when saying that you watched a particular programme, film, game etc: Have you seen my keys anywhere? | Did you see the basketball game last night?
▪look at somebody/something to keep your eyes pointed toward someone or something, especially someone or something that is not moving: I looked at the map. | She was looking at him in a strange way.
▪notice to see something interesting or unusual: I noticed a police car outside their house.
▪spot to suddenly see something, especially something you are looking for: Nick spotted the advertisement in the paper.
▪catch sight of/catch a glimpse of (also glimpse formal) to suddenly see someone or something for a short time, usually not clearly: I caught sight of him in the hotel lobby, and followed him out the door. | He glimpsed her face as she went into the courtroom.
▪make out somebody/something to see something, but only with difficulty: Ahead, I could just make out the figure of a woman.
▪witness to see something happen, especially a crime or an accident: The police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.
▪observe formal to see and pay attention to something: Officers observed him driving at 100 mph.
▪sight especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter. | The crew finally sighted land.
■ Unable to see
▪blind unable to see anything: She has been blind from birth.
▪partially-sighted not able to see things very well, although not completely blind: Good lighting can be very important for partially sighted people.
▪visually handicapped/impaired completely blind or not able to see very much – used especially in official reports, forms etc: a special school for visually impaired children
see about something phrasal verb
1. to make arrangements or deal with something:
I’d better see about dinner.
see about doing something
Claire’s gone to see about getting tickets for the concert.
2. we’ll see about that spoken
a. (also we’ll have to see about that) used to say that you do not know if something will be possible:
‘I want to go to Joshua’s tonight.’ ‘Well, we’ll have to see about that.’
b. (also we’ll soon see about that) used to say that you intend to stop someone from doing what they were planning to do
see something against something phrasal verb [usually passive]
to consider something together with something else:
The unemployment data must be seen against the background of world recession.
see around phrasal verb
1. see somebody around to notice someone regularly in places you go to, but not talk to them:
I don’t know who he is, but I’ve seen him around.
2. see you around spoken used to say goodbye to someone when you have not made a definite arrangement to meet again
3. see around/round something British English to visit a place and walk around looking at it:
Would you like to see round the house?
see in phrasal verb
1. not know what somebody sees in somebody (also what does somebody see in somebody?) used to say that you do not know why someone likes someone else:
I don’t know what she sees in him.
2. see something in somebody/something to notice a particular quality in someone or something that makes you like them:
He saw a gentleness in Susan.
3. see somebody in to go with someone to make sure they arrive at a building or room:
He took her home and, after seeing her in, drove off without a word.
4. see in the New Year to celebrate the beginning of a new year
see somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb
1. to defeat someone or stop them from competing against you:
To see off the threat, the company will have to cut its prices still further.
The team saw off their old rivals in last night’s championship game.
2. to go to an airport, train station etc to say goodbye to someone:
They’ve gone to the airport to see their son off.
3. (also see somebody off something) to force someone to leave a place:
Security guards saw him off the premises.
see somebody/something out phrasal verb
1. to go to the door with someone to say goodbye to them when they leave:
I’ll see you out.
Don’t worry, I can see myself out (=leave the building without anyone coming with me).
2. see something ↔ out to continue doing something or being somewhere until a particular period of time or an unpleasant event is finished:
Connolly has promised to see out the remaining 18 months of his contract.
She saw out her last years at Sudeley Castle.
see over something phrasal verb British English
to look at something large such as a house, especially in order to decide if you want to buy it
see through phrasal verb
1. see through somebody/something to realize that someone is trying to deceive you:
I saw through his excuses.
I could never lie to her because I know she’d see through me straight away.
I can’t bluff – she’d see right through me.
2. see something through to continue doing something until it is finished, especially something difficult or unpleasant:
It’ll take a lot of effort to see the project through.
3. see somebody through (something) to give help and support to someone during a difficult time:
Setting goals should help see you through.
I’ve got enough money to see me through six months of unemployment.
4. see something through sb’s eyes to see something or think about it in the way that someone else does:
The world is very different when seen through the eyes of a child.
see to somebody/something phrasal verb
to deal with something or do something for someone:
Go on, you go out. I’ll see to the washing-up.
have/get something seen to
You should get that tooth seen to by a dentist.
see2 noun [countable]
| I |
verb (past tense saw /sɔː $ sɒː/, past participle seen /siːn/) Language: Old English
Origin: seon
1. NOTICE/EXAMINE [transitive not in progressive] to notice or examine someone or something, using your eyes:Origin: seon
can/can’t see
see where/what/who etc
see (that)
see somebody/something do something
see somebody/something doing something
2. NOTICE SOMETHING IS TRUE [transitive not in progressive] to notice that something is happening or that something is true:
see (that)
3. ABILITY TO SEE [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to be able to use your eyes to look at things and know what they are
can/can’t see
not see to do something
4. FIND OUT INFORMATION [intransitive and transitive] to find out information or a fact
see what/how/when etc
see if/whether
it can be seen that/we can see that
5. IN THE FUTURE [intransitive and transitive] to find out about something in the future
see if/whether
see how/what/when etc
see how it goes/see how things go (=used when you are going to do something and will deal with problems if they happen)
6. WHERE INFORMATION IS [transitive only in imperative] especially written used to tell you where you can find information:
see above/below
7. UNDERSTAND [intransitive and transitive] to understand or realize something
see why/what/how etc
see reason/sense (=realize that you are wrong or doing something stupid)
8. WATCH [transitive] to watch a television programme, play, film etc:
9. CONSIDER SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [transitive] to think about or consider someone or something in a particular way, or as having particular qualities:
as somebody sees it/the way somebody sees it (=used to give someone’s opinion)
see somebody/something as something
see yourself as something
be seen as (being) something
be seen to be (doing) something
10. see what somebody/something can do spoken
a. to find out if someone can deal with a situation or problem
see what somebody/something can do about
b. to find out how good someone or something is at what they are supposed to be able to do:
11. I’ll see what I can do spoken used to say that you will try to help someone:
12. see you spoken used to say goodbye when you know you will see someone again
see you tomorrow/at three/Sunday etc
see you later (=see you soon, or later in the same day)
see you in a bit British English (=see you soon)
see you in a while (=see you soon)
(I’ll) be seeing you__ (=see you soon)
13. VISIT [transitive] to visit or meet someone:
14. MEET BY CHANCE [transitive not in progressive] to meet someone by chance:
15. HAVE A MEETING [transitive] to have an arranged meeting with someone:
see somebody about something (=see someone to discuss something)
16. SPEND TIME WITH SOMEBODY [transitive] to spend time with someone:
see more/less of somebody (=see someone more or less often)
17. be seeing somebody to be having a romantic relationship with someone:
18. IMAGINE [transitive not in progressive] to imagine that something may happen in the future:
can’t see somebody/something doing something
see somebody as something (=be able to imagine someone being something)
19. seeing as (how) informal (also seeing that) used before giving a reason for what you are saying:
20. see something for what it is (also see somebody for what they are) to realize that someone or something is not as good or nice as they seem:
21. MAKE SURE [transitive not in progressive] to make sure or check that something is done
see (that)
22. EXPERIENCE SOMETHING [transitive not in progressive] to experience something:
23. TIME/PLACE [transitive] if a time or place has seen a particular event or situation, it happened or existed in that time or place:
24. let me see (also let’s see) spoken used when you are trying to remember something:
25. I don’t see why not spoken used to say ‘yes’ in answer to a request:
26. GO WITH SOMEBODY [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to go somewhere with someone to make sure they are safe:
27. be seeing things to imagine that you see someone or something which is not really there:
28. see double if you see double, something is wrong with your eyes, so that you see two things when there is only one
29. have seen better days informal to be in a bad condition:
30. be glad/pleased etc to see the back of somebody/something British English spoken to be pleased when someone leaves or when you get rid of something, because you do not like them:
31. see the last of somebody/something
a. to not see someone or something again, especially someone or something you do not like:
b. to not have to deal with something any more:
32. see the light
a. to realize that something is true:
b. to have a special experience that makes you believe in a religion
33. see the light of day
a. if something sees the light of day, it is brought out so that people can see it:
b. to start to exist:
34. see red to become very angry:
35. not see somebody for dust British English informal if you do not see someone for dust, they leave a place very quickly in order to avoid something
36. see eye to eye [usually in negatives] if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other:
see eye to eye with
see eye to eye on/about
37. seen one ... seen them all informal used to say that something is boring because it is very similar to other things:
38. see your way (clear) to doing something formal to be able and willing to do something:
39. (see and) be seen to look at or be noticed by important or fashionable people:
40. not see the wood for the trees (also not see the forest for the trees American English) to be unable to understand what is important in a situation because you are thinking too much about small details rather than the whole situation
41. see something coming to realize that there is going to be a problem before it actually happens:
42. see somebody coming (a mile off) British English spoken to recognize that someone will be easy to trick or deceive:
43. see somebody right British English spoken to make sure that someone gets what they need or want, especially money:
44. not see that it matters spoken to think that something is not important:
45. GAME OF CARDS [transitive] to risk the same amount of money as your opponent in a card game ⇨ it remains to be seen at remain(5), ⇨ see fit (to do something) at fit2(3), ⇨ wouldn’t be seen dead at dead1(12)
| THESAURUS |
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
■ Unable to see
▪
▪
▪
see about something phrasal verb
1. to make arrangements or deal with something:
see about doing something
2. we’ll see about that spoken
a. (also we’ll have to see about that) used to say that you do not know if something will be possible:
b. (also we’ll soon see about that) used to say that you intend to stop someone from doing what they were planning to do
see something against something phrasal verb [usually passive]
to consider something together with something else:
see around phrasal verb
1. see somebody around to notice someone regularly in places you go to, but not talk to them:
2. see you around spoken used to say goodbye to someone when you have not made a definite arrangement to meet again
3. see around/round something British English to visit a place and walk around looking at it:
see in phrasal verb
1. not know what somebody sees in somebody (also what does somebody see in somebody?) used to say that you do not know why someone likes someone else:
2. see something in somebody/something to notice a particular quality in someone or something that makes you like them:
3. see somebody in to go with someone to make sure they arrive at a building or room:
4. see in the New Year to celebrate the beginning of a new year
see somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb
1. to defeat someone or stop them from competing against you:
2. to go to an airport, train station etc to say goodbye to someone:
3. (also see somebody off something) to force someone to leave a place:
see somebody/something out phrasal verb
1. to go to the door with someone to say goodbye to them when they leave:
2. see something ↔ out to continue doing something or being somewhere until a particular period of time or an unpleasant event is finished:
see over something phrasal verb British English
to look at something large such as a house, especially in order to decide if you want to buy it
see through phrasal verb
1. see through somebody/something to realize that someone is trying to deceive you:
2. see something through to continue doing something until it is finished, especially something difficult or unpleasant:
3. see somebody through (something) to give help and support to someone during a difficult time:
4. see something through sb’s eyes to see something or think about it in the way that someone else does:
see to somebody/something phrasal verb
to deal with something or do something for someone:
have/get something seen to
| II |
noun [countable] Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: se, from Latin sedes 'seat'
an area governed by a bishop
Language: Old French
Origin: se, from Latin sedes 'seat'
see to become aware of sb/sth by using your eyes 指看见、见到、看出 ：◆ She looked for him but couldn't see him in the crowd. 她在人群里找来找去，但没看见他。 ◆ He could see (that) she had been crying. 他看得出她哭过。 spot to see or notice sb/sth, especially suddenly or when they are not easy to see or notice 指看见、看出，尤指突然发现或注意到 ：◆ I've just spotted a mistake on the front cover. 我刚才在封面上发现了一处错误。 catch to see or notice sth for a moment, but not clearly or completely 指瞥见、察觉 ：◆ She caught sight of a car in the distance.她瞥见远处有一辆车。 ◆ He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror.他看了一眼镜子中的自己。 glimpse ( to see sb/sth for a moment, but not clearly or completely指瞥见、看一眼 ：◆ He'd glimpsed her through the window as he passed. 他路过时透过窗户瞥见了她。
Patterns
to see/spot that/how/what/where/who… to suddenly see/spot/catch/glimpse sb/sth
look to turn your eyes in a particular direction 指看、瞧 ：◆ If you look carefully you can just see our house from here. 你要是仔细看，从这里就可以看见我们的房子。 ◆ She looked at me and smiled.她看了看我，笑了。 watch to look at sb/sth for a time, paying attention to what happens 指看、注视、观看、观察 ：◆ to watch television 看电视 ◆ Watch what I do, then you try. 你注意看我的动作，然后试着做。 see to watch a game, television programme, performance, etc. 指观看（比赛、电视节目、演出等） ：◆ In the evening we went to see a movie. 晚上我们去看了一场电影。 view ( to look at sth, especially when you look carefully; to watch television, a film/movie, etc.指看、观看（尤指仔细观察）；看（电视、电影等） ：◆ People came from all over the world to view her work. 观众从世界各地涌来欣赏她的作品。
watch, see or view? 用 watch、see 还是 view？
observe ( to watch sb/sth carefully, especially to learn more about them or it指观察、注视、监视 ：◆ The patients were observed over a period of several months. 这些病人被观察了数月之久。
Patterns
to look/watch for sb/sthto watch/observe what/who/how… to look/watch/view/observe (sb/sth) with amazement/surprise/disapproval, etc.to watch/see/view a film/movie/show/programme to watch/see a match/game/fight to look (at sb/sth)/watch (sb/sth)/observe sb/sth carefully/closely
understand to know or realize the meaning of words, a language, what sb says, etc; to know or realize how or why sth happens, how it works or why it is important 指懂、理解、领会（词义、语言、话语等），了解、认识到、明白（事情如何或为何发生、如何起作用或为何重要等） ：◆ I don't understand the instructions. 我不懂这些指令的意思。 ◆ Doctors still don't understand much about the disease. 医生对这种疾病还了解不多。 see to understand what is happening, what sb is saying, how sth works or how important sth is 指理解、明白、领会（正在发生的事、某人的话、某事如何起作用或重要性如何） ：◆ 'It opens like this.' 'Oh, I see .'“这样就打开了。” “哦，我明白了。” ◆ Oh yes, I see what you mean .噢，我明白你的意思了。 get ( to understand a joke, what sb is trying to tell you, or a situation that they are trying to describe指理解、明白（笑话、某人试图告知的事或描述的情况） ：◆ She didn't get the joke. 她听不懂那个笑话。 ◆ I don't get you. 我搞不懂你的意思。 follow to understand an explanation, a story or the meaning of sth 指理解、明白（说明、故事、意思） ：◆ Sorry—I don't quite follow. 对不起，我不太懂你的话。 ◆ The plot is almost impossible to follow. 故事情节几乎叫人不明所以。 grasp to come to understand a fact, an idea or how to do sth 指理解、领会、领悟、明白（事实、想法或如何做某事） ：◆ They failed to grasp the importance of his words. 他们没有理解他的话的重要性。
understand or grasp? 用 understand 还是 grasp？
comprehend (often used in negative statements) ( to understand a fact, idea or reason（常用于否定句中）指理解、领悟、明白（事实、想法或原因） ：◆ The concept of infinity is almost impossible for the human mind to comprehend. 无穷的概念几乎是人类的大脑无法理解的。
Patterns
to understand/see/get/follow/grasp/comprehend what/why/how… to understand/see/grasp/comprehend that… to understand/see/get/grasp the point/idea (of sth)to be easy/difficult/hard to understand/see/follow/grasp/comprehendto fully understand/see/grasp/comprehend sth
regard to think of sb/sth in a particular way 指认为、视为、看待 ：◆ He seemed to regard the whole thing as a joke. 他似乎是把整件事当成玩笑。 call to say that sb/sth has particular qualities or characteristics 指认为…是、把…看作 ：◆ I wouldn't call German an easy language. 我并不认为德语是一门容易学的语言。 find to have a particular feeling or opinion about sth 指认为、感到 ：◆ You may find your illness hard to accept. 你可能觉得难以接受自己患病。 consider to think of sb/sth in a particular way 指认为、视为、觉得 ：◆ Who do you consider (to be) responsible for the accident? 你认为谁对这个事故负有责任？
regard or consider? 用 regard 还是 consider？
see to have an opinion of sth 指认为、看待 ：◆ Try to see things from her point of view. 设法从她那个角度去看问题。 view to think of sb/sth in a particular way 指视为、认为、看待 ：◆ How do you view your position within the company? 你如何看待你自己在公司中的位置？ NOTE View has the same meaning asregard andconsider but is slightly less frequent and slightly less formal. The main structures areview sb/sth as sb/sth (you cannot leave out theas ) andview sb/sth with sth .* view 与 regard、consider 意义相同，但略为不常用，也略非正式。主要结构有 view sb/sth as sb/sth（as 不能省略）和 view sb/sth with sth。
Patterns
to regard/consider/see/view sb/sth as sthto regard/consider/see/view sb/sth from a particular point of viewto find/consider sb/sth to be sthgenerally/usually regarded/considered/seen/viewed as sthto regard/consider/view sb/sth favourably/unfavourably
imagine to form an idea in your mind of what sb/sth might be like 指想象、设想 ：◆ The house was just as she had imagined it. 这房子正如她所想象的。 think to imagine sth that might happen or might have happened 指猜想、想象、试想 ：◆ We couldn't think where you'd gone. 我们猜想不出来你到哪里去了。 ◆ Just think —this time tomorrow we'll be lying on a beach.想想看，明天这个时候我们就躺在海滩上了。 see to consider sth as a future possibility; to imagine sb as sth 指设想、想象 ：◆ I can't see her changing her mind. 我无法想象她会改变主意。 ◆ His colleagues see him as a future director. 他的同事认为他很可能是未来的负责人。 envisage ( to imagine what will happen in the futureespecially
BrE 指想象、设想、展望 ：◆ I don't envisage working with him again. 我想象不出再与他一起工作的可能。 NOTE The usual word for this in American English isenvision (see below).在美式英语中，这一意义常用 envision（见下文）。 envision to imagine what a situation will be like in the future, especially a situation that you intend to work towards 指展望、想象 ：◆ They envision an equal society, free from poverty and disease. 他们向往一个没有贫穷和疾病的平等社会。 NOTE Envision is used especially in business and political contexts. In North American English it is also used as another form of the wordenvisage .* envision 尤用于商业和政治语境，在美式英语中亦作 envisage 的另一种形式 ：◆ I don't envision working with him again. 我想象不出再与他一起工作的可能。
Patterns
to imagine/see/envisage/envision sb/sth as sthto imagine/see/envisage/envision (sb) doing sth to imagine/think/see/envisage/envision who/what/how… to imagine/think/envisage/envision that…
