Definition

Phrasal Verb: 1. To remain with something until it is finished; to complete something difficult or unpleasant: To stay involved in a task or situation until it reaches its conclusion, especially when it is challenging. 2. To perceive the true nature of someone or something, especially when they are trying to deceive: To not be fooled by a false appearance or pretense; to understand the hidden reality. 3. To support someone (financially or otherwise) for the duration of a period of time: To provide what is necessary for someone to manage during a specific, often difficult, span of time.

Usage Examples

1. Meaning: To complete something difficult:

   • The project was tough, but we were determined to see it through.
   • He promised to see the negotiations through to the end.

2. Meaning: To perceive the true nature:

   • I can see through his lies; he's not telling the truth.
   • She saw through their flattery and realized they just wanted a favor.

3. Meaning: To support through a period:

   • Her savings saw her through the period of unemployment.
   • This coffee will see me through the long meeting.

Advanced Usage

• The object (e.g., , , ) can be placed between "see" and "through" (separable phrasal verb) or after "through," depending on the sentence structure.
  • We must see the plan through. (Object after "through")
  • We must see it through. (Object between "see" and "through")
• When used to mean "perceive the true nature," the object of perception (the deception) always comes directly after "through."
  • She saw through the disguise. (Correct)
  • She saw the disguise through. (Incorrect for this meaning)

Variants and Related Words

• See-through (Adjective): Transparent or semi-transparent.
  • The fabric was see-through.
• Follow through (Phrasal Verb): To complete an action or process that has been started.
  • He had a great idea but failed to follow through.

Synonyms

1. (Complete): persevere with, stick with, follow through, complete.
2. (Perceive): discern, penetrate, not be fooled by, see past.
3. (Support): sustain, support, tide over, finance.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• See about: To deal with or attend to something.
  • I'll see about booking the tickets.
• See to: To attend to or take care of something.
  • Can you see to the preparations for the guests?

Related Idioms

• See something through (to the bitter end): To continue with something until it is finished, no matter how bad or difficult it becomes.
  • Despite the setbacks, they were committed to seeing the project through to the bitter end.

Verb

1. remain with until completion
   • I must see the job through
2. perceive the true nature of
   • We could see through her apparent calm
3. support financially through a period of time
   • The scholarship saw me through college
   • This money will see me through next month