To recognise that someone or something is not genuine; or to continue with something until it is finished.
To realise that someone is lying or pretending; or to keep doing something until it is done.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To recognise that a person or statement is dishonest, false, or deceptive.
"The interviewer saw through his confident act and noticed he didn't actually know the answer."
I can see through you, and so can everybody else.
To continue with or support a task, project, or commitment until it is fully completed.
"It was a tough year, but she was determined to see the renovation through to the end."
We will see this mission through, no matter how long it takes.
To look through a transparent or translucent surface and observe what is on the other side.
"You can see through the frosted glass, but only shadows, not details."
To support or sustain someone through a difficult period.
"A small loan from his parents saw him through the first few months of unemployment."
To look through a transparent surface such as glass — extended to mean perceiving what is really behind appearances.
To realise that someone is lying or pretending; or to keep doing something until it is done.
The 'detect deception' sense is inseparable ('I can see through him'). The 'complete' sense is separable ('see the project through'). The literal sense (view through a transparent material) is transparent and very common.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "see through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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