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look beyond

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To think about more than just what is right in front of you — to consider bigger or deeper things.

Literal meaning: To direct your gaze beyond (past, further than) a specific object or point.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To consider things that lie further ahead or outside the current situation or immediate focus.

"Good leaders can look beyond the current crisis to build sustainable solutions for the future."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To see past surface appearances, flaws, or differences to perceive something more important or true.

"She tried to look beyond his shy manner and see the talented person underneath."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common in formal, motivational, and analytical contexts. Often used in speeches and writing about progress, leadership, or perspective. Can be used both literally (to look further in a physical direction) and figuratively (to see past surface-level issues).

Commonly used with

immediate surface short-term obvious present differences

Forms

Base
look beyond
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks beyond
he/she/it
Past simple
looked beyond
yesterday
Past participle
looked beyond
have + pp
-ing form
looking beyond
continuous

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