1perceive with the eyes; discern visually:in the distance she could see the blue sea [no object]:Andrew couldn’t see out of his left eye figurativeI can’t see into the future
[with clause] be or become aware of something from observation or from a written or other visual source:I see from your appraisal report that you have asked for training
be a spectator of (a film, game, or other entertainment); watch:I went to see King Lear at the Old Vic
[in imperative] refer to (a specified source) for further information (used as a direction in a text):elements are usually classified as metals or non-metals (see chapter 11)
2discern or deduce after reflection or from information; understand:I can’t see any other way to treat it [with clause]:I saw that perhaps he was rightshe could see what Rhoda meant
[with clause] ascertain after inquiring, considering, or discovering an outcome:I’ll go along to the club and see if I can get a game
[with object and adverbial] regard in a specified way:he saw himself as a good teacheryou and I see things differently
(see something in) find good or attractive qualities in (someone):I don’t know what I see in you
view or predict as a possibility; envisage:I can’t see him earning any more anywhere else
used to ascertain or express comprehension, agreement, or continued attention, or to emphasize that an earlier prediction was correct:it has to be the answer, don’t you see?see, I told you I’d come
3experience or witness (an event or situation):I shall not live to see it [with object and complement]:I can’t bear to see you so unhappy
be the time or setting of (something):the 1970s saw the beginning of a technological revolution
4meet (someone one knows) socially or by chance:I saw Colin last night
visit (a person or place):I went to see Carolinesee Alaska in style
meet regularly as a boyfriend or girlfriend:some guy she was seeing was messing her around
consult (a specialist or professional):you may need to see a solicitor
give an interview or consultation to:the doctor will see you now
5 [with object and adverbial of direction] escort or conduct (someone) to a specified place:don’t bother seeing me out
6 [no object] ensure:Lucy saw to it that everyone got enough to eat [with clause]:see that no harm comes to him
7(in poker or brag) equal the bet of (an opponent) and require them to reveal their cards in order to determine who has won the hand.
said to emphasize a statement or command or to express a protest:now see here, you’re going to get it back for me!
see one's way clear to do (or doing) something
find that it is possible or convenient to do something (often used in polite requests):I wonder if sometime you could see your way clear to signing this?
see someone coming
recognize a person who can be fooled or deceived.
see something coming
foresee or be prepared for an event, typically an unpleasant one.
see someone damned first
British informal said when angrily refusing to do what a person wants.
see someone right
British informal make sure that a person is appropriately rewarded or looked after:tell the landlord I sent you—he’ll see you right
see sense (or reason)
realize that one is wrong and start acting sensibly:our aim is to make them see sense and leave us alone
see the back of
informal be rid of (an unwanted person or thing):we were always glad to see the back of her
see you (later)
informal said when parting from someone.
we'll see about that
said when angrily contradicting or challenging an assertion:Oh, you think it’s funny, do you? We’ll see about that!
see about (or see to)
attend to or deal with:he had gone to see about a job he had heard ofI’ll see to Dad’s tea
see after
chiefly North American or archaic take care of; look after.
see something of
spend a specified amount of time with (someone) socially:we saw a lot of the Bakers
see someone off
1accompany a person who is leaving to their point of departure:they came to the station to see him off
2British repel an invader or intruder:the dogs saw them off in no time
informal deal with the threat posed by:they saw off Cambridge in the FA Cup
see someone out
British (of an article) last longer than the remainder of someone’s life:no point in fixing the gate, it’ll see me out
see something out
1come to the end of a period of time or undertaking:I could well see out my career in Italy
2continue to work on or be involved with a task or project until it is completed.
see over
tour and examine (a building or site):Bridget asked if he’d like to see over the house
see through
not be deceived by; detect the true nature of:he can see through her lies and deceptions
see someone through
support a person for the duration of a difficult time.
see something through
persist with an undertaking until it is completed.