What is see? Pronunciation and usage in English

see means . Learn how to pronounce and use see through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of see

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/siː/
Definition & pronunciation of see

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "see" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is: /siː/

Let's break that down phonetically (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA, which is the most accurate way to describe sounds):

  • /s/: This is a simple, clear "s" sound, like in "sun."
  • iː: This is a long "ee" sound as in "see" (as in "sea"). It's held for a slightly longer duration than a short "i." Think of saying "eeeee" but quickly.

How it sounds: It's a short, crisp "s" followed by a sustained "ee" sound.

Here's a helpful comparison to similar sounds:

  • Not like "sea": It's not pronounced like "sea" where you hold the "ee" sound for a long time. "See" is much quicker.
  • Not like "sit": It isn’t a short "i" sound like in "sit."

Resources for Hearing It:

Tips for Practicing:

  1. Isolate the sounds: Practice saying the "s" and the "ee" sounds separately.
  2. Combine them quickly: Once you're comfortable with each sound individually, try putting them together rapidly.
  3. Listen and imitate: Pay close attention to how native speakers pronounce "see."

Would you like me to:

  • Give you another example word to practice with?
  • Explain the difference between similar-sounding words (like "see" vs. "sea")?

Usage and examples with the word see in English

Let's break down how to use the word "see" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and ways to use it! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Basic Sight (Seeing with Your Eyes)

  • The most common use: To perceive something with your eyes.
    • "I see a bird in the tree."
    • "Can you see the mountains from here?"
    • “I saw her yesterday.” (Past tense – you witnessed something)

2. Verbs of Observation & Understanding

  • Understand/Realize: "I see what you mean." (You understand their point)
    • "Now I see it!" (You finally understand something)
  • Notice/Detect: "I see a problem with your plan." (You’ve identified an issue)
  • Conclude/Figure out: "I see now – it was a trick!" (You’ve realized the truth)

3. "See" as a Verb – “To Meet” (Formal/Less Common)

  • This is a more formal way of saying “to meet.” It’s often used in introductions or scheduling.
    • “I’d like to see you next week.” (I want to meet you next week)
    • “Please see me after class.” (Please come and talk to me after class)
    • “I'll see you at the party.” (I'll meet you at the party)

4. "See" as a Verb – “To Watch” (Often with Entertainment)

  • "I see a movie tonight." (You’re watching a movie)
  • "We see tennis every Sunday.” (We watch tennis every Sunday.)
  • “I see the game on TV.” (I’m watching the game on television)

5. Phrases with "See"

  • See to it: Make sure something happens. “See to it that the door is locked.”
  • See you: A common way to say goodbye. “See you later!”
  • See a doctor: Go to a doctor for medical care.
  • See a ghost: Believe in or claim to have seen a ghost.
  • Let me see…: Pause to think, or to examine something. “Let me see the report.”
  • I'd see about...: I’ll look into... “I'd see about booking a hotel.”
  • See to: Take care of or deal with (something). "Can you see to the arrangements?"

6. "See" as a Verb – “To Look At” (Often with an object)

  • "I see the picture on the wall." (You are looking at it)
  • “I saw your painting.” (I viewed your painting)

Important Notes:

  • Tense: "See" is an irregular verb. Its past tense is "saw," and its past participle is "seen."
  • Pronunciation: “See” is pronounced /siː/ (like “sea” without the “ea”).

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "see"? (e.g., are you writing an essay, having a conversation, do you want to understand a particular sentence?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word see

Idioms of the word see

for all (the world) to see
that can be seen clearly; in a way that can be seen clearly
    let me see/let’s see
    (informal)used when you are thinking or trying to remember something
    • Now let me see—how old is she now?
    see something coming
    to realize that there is going to be a problem before it happens
    • We should have seen it coming. There was no way he could keep going under all that pressure.
    see somebody/something for what they are/it is
    to realize that somebody/something is not as good, pleasant, etc. as they/it seem
      see for yourself
      to find out or look at something yourself in order to be sure that what somebody is saying is true
      • If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself!
      seeing that…
      because of the fact that…
      • Seeing that he's been off sick all week he's unlikely to come.
      see you (around/later/soon) | (I’ll) be seeing you
      (informal)goodbye
      • I'd better be going now. See you!
      you see
      (informal)used when you are explaining something
      • You see, the thing is, we won't be finished before Friday.

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