DictionaryAI

see

SaySEE/ˈsi//ˈsiː/

Formssees, seeing, saw, seen

Often confused with look and watch

19 meanings of see

Practice

  1. 1
    eyes take inverbtransitive
    To notice something with your eyes.

    I can see the house from here.

    I saw a deer at the edge of the woods this morning.

    UsageUsually say I can see it (not incorrect: I'm seeing it). You look on purpose; you often see without trying.

    Similarspot, notice, observe, view, glimpse

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To experience or witness something yourself.

    My grandpa has seen huge changes in this town over eighty years.

    You'll see a lot of changes when you get back.

    UsageSay I've seen worse: it's not so bad.

    Similarwitness, experience, observe, encounter

    Note
  3. 3
    verbfigurativelytransitive or intransitive
    To understand something, or to finally realize what is true.

    At first I didn't see the problem, but now it's clear.

    I see now why she left.

    UsageI see means I understand. Do you see what I mean?

    Similarunderstand, grasp, get, realize, comprehend

    Oppositemisunderstand

    Note
  4. 4
    envisionverbtransitive
    To picture something in your mind, or to think of it in a certain way.

    I can still see my grandmother's house in my mind, exactly as it was.

    Most people see their pets as part of the family.

    UsageSay you see something as good or bad.

    Similarview, regard, consider, perceive, picture

  5. 5
    check whetherverbtransitive or intransitive
    To find out by trying, often with 'if' or 'whether'.

    I'll see if I can fix your computer.

    You think you can beat me? We'll see.

    UsageOften used after and: try it and see, wait and see.

    Similarcheck, test, discover

  6. 6
    refer toverbtransitive
    Used to tell readers where to look for more details.

    For the full proof, see Appendix C.

    See the Tutor Manual for details.

    UsageWrite see page 10, or see also.

    Similarconsult, check

    Note
  7. 7
    have hadverbtransitive
    Of a place, time or thing, to have something happen in it or to it.

    Few tents see ten summers of use.

    This old kitchen has seen a lot of family dinners.

    UsageHas seen better days means something is in worse condition than before.

    Similarwitness, experience, undergo

  8. 8
    watch a showverbtransitive
    To watch a film, show, play or game.

    I saw the new Tarantino film last week.

    Let's see a film on Saturday.

    UsageSee a film at the cinema, but watch TV.

    Similarwatch, view, catch

  9. 9
    meet or visitverbtransitive
    To meet or visit someone, for example a friend or a doctor.

    You'd better see the boss about that.

    I have to see the dentist tomorrow morning.

    UsageCan I see you? means can we talk.

    Similarmeet, visit, consult

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of see apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1–17

From Old English sēon, meaning "to see," going all the way back to an ancient Proto-Indo-European root.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Meanings 18–19

It goes back to the Latin word sēdēs, "seat." People used it for the special chair of a bishop in his main church. It is connected with sedēre, a Latin verb meaning "to sit."

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

  • The ecclesiastical noun see ultimately derives from Latin sēdēs, meaning “seat.” es.wiktionary.org
  • The Latin word referred to the bishop’s chair. en.wikipedia.org
  • The bishop’s chair stands in his main church, the cathedral. en.wikipedia.org
  • Latin sēdēs is connected with the Latin verb meaning “to sit.” en.wiktionary.org