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."
inseparable
look beyond
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To consider things further ahead or outside the immediate situation, or to see past surface appearances to something deeper.
In plain English
To think about more than just what is right in front of you — to consider bigger or deeper things.
What does "look beyond" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To direct your gaze beyond (past, further than) a specific object or point.
Actually means
To think about more than just what is right in front of you — to consider bigger or deeper things.
Usage tip
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).
Words that pair with "look beyond"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
immediate surface short-term obvious present differences
How to conjugate "look beyond"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "look beyond" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "look beyond" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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