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."
inseparable
look through
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To read or examine something carefully from start to finish, or to deliberately ignore someone.
In plain English
You read something carefully from beginning to end, or you look at someone but pretend you don't see them.
What does "look through" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To direct your gaze through a transparent or semi-transparent object.
Actually means
You read something carefully from beginning to end, or you look at someone but pretend you don't see them.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "look through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
papers files notes someone window telescope
How to conjugate "look through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "look through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "look through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "look through"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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