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look past

B2 neutral inseparable transitive

To consciously ignore or move beyond something, especially a flaw or obstacle.

In plain English

You choose not to let something (usually a problem or fault) stop you or upset you.

What does "look past" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

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."

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."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To direct your gaze beyond an object that is in front of you.

Actually means

You choose not to let something (usually a problem or fault) stop you or upset you.

Usage tip

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.

Words that pair with "look past"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

flaws differences appearance mistakes past surface

How to conjugate "look past"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "look past" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "look past" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "look past"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

disregard ignore move beyond overlook see past set aside

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.