look past
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
You choose not to let something (usually a problem or fault) stop you or upset you.
Literal meaning: To direct your gaze beyond an object that is in front of you.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To deliberately ignore or disregard something negative — a flaw, mistake, or difference — in order to focus on something more important.
"If you can look past his shyness, you'll see he's actually a brilliant communicator."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To physically look beyond an object or person that is blocking your view.
"She craned her neck, trying to look past the tall man standing in front of her."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Frequently used in emotional or interpersonal contexts: 'look past someone's faults.' Also used literally when you physically look beyond an obstacle. Common in American English.
Commonly used with
flaws differences appearance mistakes past surface
Forms
Base
look past
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks past
he/she/it
Past simple
looked past
yesterday
Past participle
looked past
have + pp
-ing form
looking past
continuous
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Synonyms
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