What is difference between look and see
by Yogi P - November 2, 2023
Difference Between Look and See | Look vs See
We often find ourselves looking for the correct word to use in a sentence while speaking or writing. Two of the most commonly confused words are ‘look’ and ‘see’ – a hiccup that is understandable considering the similarity in their meaning and connotations.
Let’s explore the meaning and usages of both words.
Look:
When used as a verb, ‘look’ means to use one’s eyes to observe something; one usually looks at something to expect a certain result. It is also employed as an adverb for when one pays attention to something.
For example, one can say ‘I will look into the matter’ to indicate that one is paying attention to what is being said, and is willing to examine it further. It is also used as an imperative command to request someone to pay attention to something.
See:
‘See’ is similar to ‘look’ in that it also means to observe something with one’s eyes. However, ‘see’ indicates that one is actually viewing something, and that it is clearly visible.
For example, one can say ‘We should see the doctor’, meaning that we should visit a doctor as we can clearly understand that something is physically or mentally wrong.
Difference between Look and See:
| Word | Look | See |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To observe something with one’s eyes | To observe something with one’s eyes and actually view it |
| Usage | Used as verb, adverb and imperative command | Used as verb primarily |
| Examples | Look at the signboard | I can see the coastline from my window |
There is a slight difference between the two words; while ‘look’ implies searching for something, ‘see’ is used to highly visible things. For example, ‘Let’s look for a restaurant’ (observe for a restaurant) and ‘I can see a restaurant on the street’ (actually visualize a restaurant).
| Aspect | Look | See |
|---|---|---|
| Verb Type | Action verb | Simple verb (stative) |
| Active/Passive | Active – Involves intentional action | Passive – Involves passive perception |
| Purpose | Intentional observation or search | General perception or awareness |
| Usage Example | “I will look at the map to find the nearest coffee shop.” | “I see a beautiful rainbow in the sky.” |
| Directs Gaze | Yes, typically involves directing one’s gaze towards something specific. | No, implies noticing without actively seeking. |
Enhancing Understanding:
Try analyzing random texts to spot the correct application of these words. Understand the context in which each word is used and learn to effectively differentiate between the two. If you find yourself confused about which word to employ, try using a thesaurus to look for similar alternatives and avoid repeating words to maintain the text’s distinctiveness.
Conclusion:
We hope this article successfully shed some light on the difference between ‘look’ and ‘see’. The correct usage of these words can be confusing, but with practice and dedication, it will become second-nature. Understanding the nuances between similar-sounding words can help you craft sentences more effectively and accurately.
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