see through: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, common in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “see through” mean?
To perceive the true nature or reality of something despite attempts to conceal or disguise it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To perceive the true nature or reality of something despite attempts to conceal or disguise it.
1) To support someone or complete a task until the end; 2) To physically perceive something on the opposite side of a transparent or translucent material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the phrasal verb identically. The hyphenated adjective 'see-through' (meaning transparent) is common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. The metaphor of perceiving deception is culturally shared.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent metaphorical use in British tabloid/journalistic language regarding political deception.
Grammar
How to Use “see through” in a Sentence
[NP] see through [NP (deception)]see [NP (person/project)] throughsee through to [NP (end/conclusion)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “see through” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She saw straight through his flimsy alibi.
- We'll see this project through, no matter the delays.
American English
- He saw right through her attempt to blame someone else.
- I promised to see him through his recovery.
adjective
British English
- She wore a see-through blouse to the party.
- The curtains were almost see-through in the sunlight.
American English
- The see-through packaging shows the product inside.
- It was a see-through veil over her face.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Investors quickly saw through the company's inflated earnings report."
Academic
"The study aims to see through the cultural myths surrounding the historical event."
Everyday
"I can see through your excuse—you just didn't want to come."
Technical
N/A in highly technical senses; used metaphorically in political science or psychology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “see through”
- Using 'see through' without an object for the metaphorical sense (incorrect: *'She always sees through.'* Correct: 'She always sees through my lies.'). Confusing 'see through' (phrasal verb) with 'look through' (examine).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only when used as an adjective before a noun (a see-through dress). The phrasal verb is never hyphenated (to see through a lie).
'See through' means to perceive the truth or to support until completion. 'Look through' means to examine something, often by reading or scanning (look through a document, look through a window).
Yes, when it means to support someone until the end of a difficult situation ('She saw me through my illness'), it has a strongly positive, loyal connotation.
It's rarely used in the passive for its main meaning. Instead of 'His lie was seen through by her,' native speakers strongly prefer the active voice: 'She saw through his lie.'
To perceive the true nature or reality of something despite attempts to conceal or disguise it.
See through is usually neutral, common in both formal and informal contexts. in register.
See through: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsiː ˈθruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsi ˈθruː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “see right through someone/something”
- “have/keep one's eyes peeled (related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine SUPERMAN with X-RAY VISION. He can SEE THROUGH walls to the truth on the other side.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING/UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING; DECEPTION IS A VISUAL OBSTACLE (veil, fog, wall).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'We need a leader who will see the reforms through,' what does 'see through' mean?