What does "seeing" mean?

1. (because or since) you use this to give a reason for something, especially when you have just noticed a fact. 2. (the act of looking) the act of looking at or noticing something with your eyes. 3. (astronomical clarity) how clear and steady an image looks through a telescope, depending on the air. 4. (having sight) having the ability to see; not blind.

How do you use "seeing"?

Often followed by 'that', though 'that' is frequently omitted in speech. Usually uncountable in this technical context.

Is it correct to say "Seeing that it's raining, so we should stay."?

No — say "Seeing that it's raining, we should stay.". Do not use 'so' after 'seeing that'; the first clause already establishes the reason.

seeing

conj. · n. · adj.

US //ˈsiɪŋ// UK //sˈiːɪŋ// see·ing

1 because or since (conj.)
B1 Intermediate

you use this to give a reason for something, especially when you have just noticed a fact.

used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a statement that explains or justifies a following action or decision.

Example

Seeing it's such a nice day, why don't we walk to the park?

Example

Seeing that the primary witness has failed to appear, the judge has little choice but to grant a further adjournment.

Usage

Often followed by 'that', though 'that' is frequently omitted in speech.
Pitfall

Seeing that it's raining, so we should stay.

Seeing that it's raining, we should stay.

Do not use 'so' after 'seeing that'; the first clause already establishes the reason.
2 the act of looking (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of looking at or noticing something with your eyes.

the process or instance of visual perception.

Example

For many people, seeing is believing.

Example

The sudden seeing of the mountain peak through the clouds provided the hikers with a much-needed boost in morale.

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3 astronomical clarity (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

how clear and steady an image looks through a telescope, depending on the air.

the quality of the observing conditions as affected by the turbulence of the Earth's atmosphere.

Example

The seeing was poor tonight because of the high winds and heat.

Example

Astronomers prefer high-altitude observatories where the seeing is consistently stable, allowing for high-resolution imaging of distant galaxies.

Usage

Usually uncountable in this technical context.
- visibility
- clarity
4 having sight (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having the ability to see; not blind.

possessing the faculty of vision; often used in compound phrases.

Example

The charity provides seeing eye dogs for people who have lost their vision.

Example

The exhibition was designed to be accessible to both seeing and non-seeing visitors through the use of tactile displays.
- sighted
- blind

Etymology 1

From see + -ing.

Etymology 2

Probably an elision of "seeing that" or "seeing as".

Word family

Nounsightseeing
Conjunctionseeing

Idioms2 entries