See Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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see
[siː ]
Definitions
with eyes
Perceive with the eyes; discern visually. Recognize (someone or something) from previous encounters or knowledge.
Synonyms
catch sight of, notice, observe, spot.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| see |
General term used when something comes into your view without any specific effort.
|
| observe |
Used when you are looking at something carefully, often for a period of time and with intent to gather information.
|
| notice |
Used when you see something and become aware of it, often implying a certain level of attention.
|
| spot |
Used when you identify or locate something or someone quickly, often implying a sharp eye or careful searching.
|
| catch sight of |
Used when you suddenly see something, often briefly or out of the corner of your eye.
|
Examples of usage
- I can see a car coming down the road.
- I saw her in the crowd.
understand
Perceive or notice (someone or something) in a particular way. Interpret something in a specified way.
Synonyms
comprehend, grasp, realize, understand.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| see |
Use when referring to the physical act of looking at something or when you want to convey understanding in a simple manner.
|
| understand |
A general word for when you know how something works or can make sense of a situation. It is very versatile and can be used in most situations.
|
| comprehend |
Use in formal or serious contexts when you want to imply a deeper or more complete understanding of something complex.
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| realize |
Best used when someone comes to an understanding or awareness often suddenly or unexpectedly.
|
| grasp |
Utilize when referring to understanding something difficult or complex, often implying a degree of effort.
|
Examples of usage
- I see what you mean.
- She saw the situation differently.
meeting
A meeting with a doctor or other professional in order to seek advice or treatment.
Synonyms
appointment, consultation, visit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| see |
Same as the first 'see', typically used for visiting or meeting someone in a less formal way.
|
| appointment |
Use in professional or formal settings to describe a scheduled meeting, often with a specific time.
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| consultation |
Use when referring to an in-depth or specialized discussion, often of a medical or expert nature.
|
| visit |
Use when you go to a place or meet someone, typically involving a longer stay or a specific purpose.
|
Examples of usage
- I have a dentist's appointment on Thursday.
- She went to see her lawyer.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- The human eye can detect about 10 million different colors, allowing for a rich visual experience.
- Eyes rely on light to see; without light, our vision is not possible, shaping how we interact with the world.
Psychology
- Seeing is not just about perception; it also involves interpretation made by our brain, impacting how we react to what we observe.
- Vision plays a key role in memory; we often remember things better when we see them rather than just hearing about them.
Literature
- In literature, seeing often symbolizes understanding and insight, as in the phrase 'seeing the truth'.
- Classic works often use visual descriptions to engage readers, making them feel a part of the story.
Art
- Artists use the concept of sight not only to depict what they see but also to reinterpret reality, shaping viewer perception.
- In visual arts, the act of seeing is fundamental; it can evoke emotions and thoughts that transcend the ordinary.
Origin of 'see'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'see' comes from the Old English word 'seon', meaning 'to perceive' or 'to look at'.
- In many languages, the word for 'see' shares a common root, showing how essential this action is across cultures.
The word 'see' has Old English origins and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'sehwan'. The meaning of 'see' has evolved over time to encompass both physical sight and understanding. It is a common and versatile word used in everyday language.
See also: foresee, foreseeing, foreseen, oversee, overseeing, overseer, seeable, seeing, seer, seesaw, seethe, unseeing.