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look through

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

You read something carefully from beginning to end, or you look at someone but pretend you don't see them.

Literal meaning: To direct your gaze through a transparent or semi-transparent object.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To examine or read something from beginning to end, searching for information.

"She looked through all the old letters but couldn't find the one she needed."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To look at someone without acknowledging them, as if they are not there.

"She looked straight through me at the party — I don't think she's forgiven me yet."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To look at or observe something by directing one's gaze through an opening or device.

"He looked through the binoculars and spotted the ship on the horizon."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The 'ignore someone' sense is particularly interesting — it means making eye contact but giving no sign of recognition, often deliberately. The 'examine' sense is very common in professional contexts.

Commonly used with

papers files notes someone window telescope

Forms

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

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Synonyms

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