see

verb, noun verb (saw ) use eyes 1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to become aware of sb/sth by using your eyes: [VN] She looked for him but couldn't see him in the crowd. * I looked out of the window but saw nothing. * [V(that)] He could see (that) she had been crying. * [Vwh-] Did you see what happened? * If you watch carefully, you'll see how it is done. * [VN-ADJ] I hate to see you unhappy. * [V, VN] The opera was the place to see and be seen (= by other important or fashionable people). * [VN-ing] She was seen running away from the scene of the crime. * [VNinf] I saw you put the key in your pocket. * [VNtoinf] He was seen to enter the building about the time the crime was committed. HELPNOTE This pattern is only used in the passive. 2 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have or use the power of sight: [V] She will never see again (= she has become blind). * On a clear day you can see for miles from here. * [Vtoinf] It was getting dark and I couldn't see to read. watch 3 [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to watch a game, television programme, performance, etc: Did you see that programme on Brazil last night? * In the evening we went to see a movie. * Fifty thousand people saw the match. look up information 4 [VN] (used in orders) to look at sth in order to find information: See page 158. meet by chance 5 [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be near and recognize sb; to meet sb by chance: Guess who I saw at the party last night! visit 6 [VN] to visit sb: Come and see us again soon. have meeting 7 [VN] ~ sb (about sth) to have a meeting with sb: You ought to see a doctor about that cough. * What is it you want to see me about? * I can only see you for five minutes. spend time 8 [VN] (often used in the progressive tenses) to spend time with sb: Are you seeing anyone (= having a romantic relationship with anyone)? * They've been seeing a lot of each other (= spending a lot of time together) recently. understand 9 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to understand sth: [V] 'It opens like this.' 'Oh, I see.' * [VN] He didn't see the joke. * I don't think she saw the point of the story. * I can see both sides of the argument. * Make Lydia see reason (= be sensible), will you? * [V(that)] Can't you see (that) he's taking advantage of you? * I don't see that it matters what Josh thinks. * [Vwh-] 'It's broken.' 'Oh yes, I see what you mean.' * 'Can we go swimming?' 'I don't see why not (= yes, you can).' * [VNtoinf] The government not only has to do something, it must be seen to be doing something (= people must be aware that it is doing sth). HELPNOTE This pattern is only used with see in the passive. have opinion 10 [VN+adv./prep.] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have an opinion of sth: I see things differently now. * Try to see things from her point of view. * Lack of money is the main problem, as I see it (= in my opinion). * The way I see it, you have three main problems. imagine 11 ~ sb/sth (as sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to consider sth as a future possibility; to imagine sb/sth as sth: [VN-ing] I can't see her changing her mind. * [VN] His colleagues see him as a future director. find out 12 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to find out sth by looking, asking or waiting: [V] 'Has the mail come yet?' 'I'll just go and see.' * 'Is he going to get better?' 'I don't know, we'll just have to wait and see.' * [Vwh-] Go and see what the kids are doing, will you? * We'll have to see how it goes. * [V(that)] I see (that) interest rates are going up again. * [VNthat] It can be seen that certain groups are more at risk than others. 13 (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to find out or decide sth by thinking or considering: [V] 'Will you be able to help us?' 'I don't know, I'll have to see.' * 'Can I go to the party?' 'We'll see (= I'll decide later). * [Vwh-] I'll see what I can do to help. make sure 14 [Vthat] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to make sure that you do sth or that sth is done: See that all the doors are locked before you leave. * Could you see that the kids are in bed by 8 o'clock? experience 15 [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to experience or suffer sth: He has seen a great deal in his long life. * I hope I never live to see the day when computers finally replace books. * It didn't surprise her-she had seen it all before. witness event 16 [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the time when an event happens: Next year sees the centenary of Verdi's death. 17 [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the place where an event happens SYNWITNESS: This stadium has seen many thrilling football games. help 18 [VN+adv./prep.] to go with sb to help or protect them: I saw the old lady across (= helped her cross) the road. * May I see you home (= go with you as far as your house)? * My secretary will see you out (= show you the way out of the building). IDIOMS Most idioms containing see are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example not see the wood for the trees is at wood. for all (the world) to see clearly visible; in a way that is clearly visible see sth coming to realize that there is going to be a problem before it happens: We should have seen it coming. There was no way he could keep going under all that pressure. see for yourself to find out or look at sth yourself in order to be sure that what sb is saying is true: If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself! see sb/sth for what they are / it is to realize that sb/sth is not as good, pleasant, etc. as they/it seem seeing that... (also informal seeing as )how(...) because of the fact that...: Seeing that he's been off sick all week he's unlikely to come. see you (around)