English Reference
Verb

see

v.
A1 Beginner Oxford US /ˈsi/ UK /sˈiː/ see Computing Gambling

infinitive see past saw past participle seen

v.to use your eyes to look at something or someone. You also use this word when you understand an idea or meet a person.

v.to perceive with the eyes; to witness or experience an event. Often used to indicate comprehension or the act of meeting someone socially.


SIMPLE

I can see the mountains from my window.

CONTEXTUAL

If you look closely at the chart, you will see that sales increased last month.

COMPLEX

While many observers could see the immediate effects of the policy, few were able to foresee the long-term structural changes it would eventually trigger in the local economy.

Usage

The verb is often used in the progressive form ('I am seeing') only when it means 'meeting' or 'dating', not for physical perception.

Don't confuse

see vs look vs watch — Look is the intentional direction of the eyes, see is the automatic perception of an image, and watch is the sustained observation of something in motion.

Don't confuse

see vs notice — See is the physical ability to use your eyes, while notice is the act of paying attention to a specific detail.

Don't confuse

see vs look — See is the passive act of noticing with your eyes, while look is the active direction of your gaze.

Don't confuse

see vs watch — See is the passive reception of light; watch is the active focus on a moving target.

Pitfall
I am seeing a bird right now.I see a bird right now.

When 'see' refers to the physical ability to perceive with eyes, it is a stative verb and is not usually used in the continuous tense.

Usage see other videos · see something · see one

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated