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verb [T ] A1 (see-saw-seen) • synonyms: perceive, notice, observe • see something; can see • freq in AmE (this meaning): 10/10
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(USE EYES) to perceive or notice something with your eyes; to have the ability of sight
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verb [T ] A2 (see-saw-seen) • synonyms: understand, comprehend, grasp, get it • I see; I see what you mean; do you see? • freq in AmE (this meaning): 10/10💡"I see" is one of the most common ways to acknowledge understanding in English.
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(UNDERSTAND) to understand or comprehend something; to grasp the meaning or significance
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verb [T ] A2 (see-saw-seen) • synonyms: meet, visit, have an appointment with • see someone; see the doctor; see friends • freq in AmE (this meaning): 10/10
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(MEET/VISIT) to meet or visit someone; to have a meeting or appointment with someone
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verb [T ] A2 (see-saw-seen) • synonyms: watch, view, attend • see a movie/show/play💡Americans use both "see a movie" and "watch a movie" - both are common and interchangeable. • freq in AmE (this meaning): 10/10
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(WATCH) to watch or view entertainment; to attend a performance or showing
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verb [T ] B1 (see-saw-seen) • synonyms: experience, witness, live through, observe • we've seen changes; she's seen hard times; has seen better days • freq in AmE (this meaning): 9/10
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(EXPERIENCE) to experience, witness, or live through something; to observe events or changes
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verb [T ] B2 (see-saw-seen) • synonyms: make sure, ensure, take care, see to it • see that...; see to it that...💡Often used in the structures "see that..." or "see to it that..." More formal/instructional • freq in AmE (this meaning): 8/10
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(ENSURE/MAKE SURE) to make sure or ensure that something happens or is done; to take care of something
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verb [T ] B1 (see-saw-seen) • see someone; seeing anyone; been seeing...💡"Seeing someone" is a common, slightly casual way to describe being in a relationship or dating • freq in AmE (this meaning): 9/10
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(DATE/BE IN RELATIONSHIP) to date or be in a romantic relationship with someone
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collocation with see verb [I or T ] A2 • synonyms: see well, have clear vision, understand clearly • see clearly; see something clearly💡Can be literal (physical vision) or figurative (mental clarity/understanding) • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to perceive or understand something without confusion or obstruction; to have clear vision or understanding
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collocation with see verb [T ] B1 • synonyms: anticipate, predict, foresee, expect💡Usually figurative - means "to predict" or "to anticipate" rather than literal physical sight • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to anticipate or predict that something will happen; to notice something approaching
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collocation with see verb [I ] C2 • synonyms: agree, have the same view, be in agreement • don't see eye to eye with; see eye to eye with someone (on/about something) • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to agree completely with someone; to have the same opinion or viewpoint
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collocation with see verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: notice the difference, perceive distinctions, tell the difference • see the difference (between...); can see the difference • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to perceive or understand how two or more things are not the same; to notice distinctions
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collocation with see verb [T ] B1 • synonyms: understand the purpose, grasp the meaning, get the point • see the point (of something/in doing something); do you see the point? • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to understand the purpose, meaning, or value of something; to grasp why something matters
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collocation with see verb [T ] A2 •💡"I see what you mean" is one of the most common phrases for acknowledging understanding in English • freq in AmE: 10/10
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to understand what someone is trying to communicate or express
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collocation with see verb [T ] B2 idiom • synonyms: see the overall picture, understand the broader context, take the long view • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to understand the overall situation or long-term perspective rather than focusing on details
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collocation with see verb [T ] B1 • synonyms: have a different perspective, view things differently, perceive differently • everyone sees things differently • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to have a different perspective or viewpoint; to interpret or perceive situations in another way
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collocation with see verb [I ] B2 • synonyms: become rational, start thinking sensibly, come to one's senses💡"See sense" and "see reason" are nearly interchangeable. More common in British English but understood in American English • freq in AmE: 7/10
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to start thinking rationally; to begin to understand and accept a logical or sensible viewpoint
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collocation with see verb [T ] B1 • synonyms: anticipate, predict, foresee, expect💡Usually refers to negative events. "Didn't see it coming" expresses surprise at something that happened • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to anticipate or predict that something will happen (usually something negative)
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grammar pattern with see verb [T ] B1 (see-saw-seen) • see someone/something doing something • freq in AmE: 10/10💡The -ing form emphasizes witnessing the action in progress. Different from bare infinitive which emphasizes the complete action.
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to observe someone or something in the process of performing an action (emphasizes the ongoing action)
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grammar pattern with see verb [T ] B1 (see-saw-seen) • see someone/something do something • freq in AmE: 10/10💡Uses bare infinitive (without 'to'). Emphasizes witnessing the complete action. Different from -ing form which emphasizes action in progress.
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to observe someone or something perform a complete action from beginning to end (emphasizes the whole action)
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grammar pattern with see verb [T ] B2 passive voice (see-saw-seen) • freq in AmE: 10/10💡This is the passive form. Note that 'to' appears in passive (was seen TO do) but not in active (saw do). More formal/written English.
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passive construction: to be observed or witnessed doing something (often implies others noticed or that it happened publicly)
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grammar pattern with see verb [I ] B2 (see-saw-seen) • can you see if...?; I'll see if I can...; let me see if...; see if there's... • freq in AmE: 10/10
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to check, investigate, or try to find out whether something is true or possible
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grammar pattern with see verb [T ] B1(see-saw-seen) • I need to see a doctor about...; she's seeing her lawyer about...; you should see someone about... • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to meet with someone to discuss or deal with a particular matter or problem
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grammar pattern with see verb A2 • you see, the problem is...💡This is a filler/discourse marker, not literal "seeing." Similar to "you know" or "you understand." Very common in spoken English • freq in AmE: 10/10
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a filler phrase used to explain, clarify, or emphasize what you're saying; means "you understand" or "let me explain"
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grammar pattern with see verb B1 continuous tense • are you seeing anyone?; is she seeing someone?; how long have you been seeing each other?💡"Seeing someone" in continuous tense specifically means dating/being in a relationship • freq in AmE: 9/10
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a question asking if someone is dating or in a romantic relationship (uses continuous tense to emphasize ongoing relationship)
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grammar pattern with see verb B2 • as I see it; as I see things; as I see the situation • freq in AmE: 8/10
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a phrase used to express your opinion or perspective on a situation; means "in my opinion" or "from my perspective"; formal way to express opinion emphasizing it's your personal perspective
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grammar pattern with see verb A2 • we'll see how it goes; we'll see what happens💡Often used by parents to children to avoid saying "no" directly. Can sound evasive or diplomatic depending on context. • freq in AmE: 9/10
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a non-committal response meaning "maybe" or "I'll decide later"; used to avoid giving a definite answer
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grammar pattern with see verb B1 • see you around💡More casual than "see you later." Implies less certainty about when you'll meet again. Common in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods. • freq in AmE: 7/10
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a casual way to say goodbye, implying you expect to encounter the person again; informal farewell
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grammar pattern with see verb B1 • see something in someone/something; see potential/talent in... • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to recognize or perceive a particular quality, potential, or characteristic in someone or something
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collocation with see verb [T ] A2 (see-saw-seen) • synonyms: visit a doctor, have an appointment with, consult a doctor • see a doctor/dentist/specialist about/for something • freq in AmE: 10/10
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to visit or have an appointment with a medical or dental professional for consultation or treatment
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collocation with see verb [T ] B1 • synonyms: travel the world, explore the world, travel widely • see the world before...; see the world in a different.../from a different.../differently; see the world beyond/through... • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to travel to many different places; to experience different cultures and locations
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collocation with see verb [T ] B2 • synonyms: be in combat, participate in battle, get into the game💡Most commonly used in military contexts, but also used in sports. Means actual participation, not just observation • freq in AmE: 7/10
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to be involved in fighting or combat (military); to participate actively in games or events (sports)
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collocation with see verb [T ] B2 idiom • synonyms: be in worse condition, have deteriorated, be past its prime💡Almost always used as "has/have seen better days" - idiom for something that's old or deteriorated • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to have been in better condition in the past; to have deteriorated or declined (usually used in past perfect: "has seen better days")
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collocation with see verb [T ] B2 idiom • synonyms: consider appropriate, deem proper, judge suitable • see fit to do something; as you see fit; what you see fit • freq in AmE: 7/10
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to consider it appropriate or proper to do something; to decide or choose to do something (often with sense of authority or judgment)💡Somewhat formal. Often implies the speaker has authority or right to make the decision.
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fixed expression A1 • synonyms: goodbye, bye, catch you later, talk to you later💡"See you later" and "See you soon" are among the most common ways to say goodbye in American English. Can be shortened to just "See you!" • freq in AmE: 10/10
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a common way to say goodbye, indicating you expect to meet or talk again in the near future
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collocation with see verb [I ] A2 • synonyms: wait and see, play it by ear, see what happens • freq in AmE: 10/10
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to wait and observe what happens; to adopt a wait-and-see approach without making definite plans
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collocation with see verb [I ] A2 • synonyms: wait and see, observe the outcome, see the result • let's try and see what happens; then see what happens; just see what happens; see what happens next • freq in AmE: 10/10
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to wait and observe the outcome or result of a situation; to adopt a wait-and-see approach
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collocation with see verb [T ] B1 • see for yourself; come see for yourself; I had to see for myself • don't believe me? see for yourself!; you should see for yourself; go see for yourself • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to observe or experience something directly rather than relying on others' descriptions; to verify personally
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collocation with see verb [I ] B1 • synonyms: we'll find out, that remains to be seen, I doubt that💡Often implies doubt or suggests you have authority to prevent something. Tone is important - can sound threatening or just skeptical • freq in AmE: 8/10
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an expression of doubt, skepticism, or challenge to what someone has said; implies you don't believe something or will prevent it💡Tone is important - can sound threatening or just skeptical.
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collocation with see verb [T ] B2 idiom💡This is an idiom. Can mean sudden understanding, religious conversion, or metaphorically "being born." Context determines meaning • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to suddenly understand or realize something; to have a revelation or moment of clarity (can also mean: to be born, or to be converted religiously)
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collocation with see verb [I ] B2 idiom • makes someone see red💡This is an idiom. The expression comes from the idea of anger affecting vision, seeing everything tinged with red • freq in AmE: 7/10
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to become extremely angry suddenly; to lose one's temper
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collocation with see verb [I or T ] A1 • can't see anything/something; can't you see? • freq in AmE: 10/10
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to be unable to perceive visually; to lack vision or understanding 💡can be literal (physical vision) or figurative (understanding); often expresses frustration that someone doesn't understand something obvious
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collocation with see verb [T ] B2 idiom • synonyms: detect deception, not be fooled by, recognize the truth about • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to recognize the true nature of someone or something deceptive; to not be fooled by a trick or lie💡This is an idiom meaning to detect deception, not literal seeing through transparent objects.
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collocation with see verb [T ] B2 • see to it that this doesn't...; can you see to it that...? • freq in AmE: 8/10
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to make sure or ensure that something is done; to take responsibility for something happening💡Similar to "see that..." More emphatic - stresses personal responsibility for ensuring something happens.
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collocation with see verb [T ] B1 • see no reason to do something/for something; see no reason why someone do/doesn't do something • freq in AmE: 9/10
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to not understand or find justification for something; to believe something is unnecessary or unjustified
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collocation with see verb [T ] A2 • synonyms: watch a movie, go to the movies • see a movie/film/show💡"See a movie" and "watch a movie" are both common and interchangeable in AmE. "See a show" typically means live theater/performance • US freq: 10/10
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to watch a film at the cinema or a theatrical performance; to attend entertainment
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fixed expression A2 • synonyms: good to see you, great to see you, lovely to see you💡Very common greeting, especially when meeting someone you know. Can be shortened to "Nice seeing you!" when saying goodbye • freq in AmE: 10/10
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a polite greeting expressing pleasure at meeting or seeing someone
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fixed expression B1 • synonyms: haven't seen you in a while, it's been ages, haven't seen you in forever • freq in AmE: 8/10
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an informal greeting used when you haven't seen someone for a long time💡This is informal/casual. The grammar is intentionally broken (literal translation from Chinese). Very common in casual conversation.
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fixed expression A2 • synonyms: let me think, let me check, we'll see💡"Let me see" = I (singular) will think/check. "Let's see" = we (together) will see/find out. Very common filler phrases while thinking • freq in AmE: 10/10
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an expression used when thinking, considering, or trying to remember something; also used when examining or checking something
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