Seeing

ˈsiːɪŋ

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The action of perceiving something with the eyes; to observe or notice.

ˈsiːɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

The action of perceiving with the eyes.

I am seeing a beautiful sunset.

💡 Simply: Seeing is like when you open your eyes and notice the world around you. Like when you see your friend at school, or see a bird flying.

👶 For kids: When you use your eyes to look at something!

More Examples

2

She is seeing a doctor for her cold.

3

Are you seeing what I'm seeing?

How It's Used

General

"He is seeing the movie tonight."

Art

"Seeing the Mona Lisa was a lifelong dream."

2

To meet or spend time with someone socially or for a specific purpose.

ˈsiːɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

The action of visiting someone socially.

I am seeing my family for Christmas.

💡 Simply: It's like making plans to hang out with someone. If you're seeing your friends, that means you are meeting up with them to do something fun together, maybe playing video games or having dinner.

👶 For kids: When you go to hang out or visit someone!

More Examples

2

They are seeing each other regularly.

3

She is seeing her therapist every week.

How It's Used

Social

"We are seeing friends this weekend."

Tip:Think of meeting up to 'see' friends.
3

To be romantically involved with someone.

ˈsiːɪŋ

verbneutralmedium
General

Having a romantic relationship with someone.

He is seeing someone new.

💡 Simply: It's like dating or being in a relationship. If two people are seeing each other, it means they are going on dates and spending time together, like they may be dating.

👶 For kids: When two people like each other and go on dates!

More Examples

2

Are you seeing anyone special?

3

They are seeing each other exclusively.

How It's Used

Relationship

"They have been seeing each other for a year."

Tip:Think of this as going on dates with someone!

Idioms & expressions

Seeing is believing

Used to emphasize that one needs to see something to believe it.

"I didn't believe it until I saw the video; seeing is believing."

See eye to eye

To agree with someone

"The team doesn't see eye to eye on the new project."

From Middle English *seynge*, present participle of *sehen* (“to see”), from Old English *sēon* (“to see”), from Proto-Germanic *sehwaną*.

The word 'seeing' has been used in English for centuries, reflecting the importance of sight in human experience and is found in many historical texts.

Memory tip

Think of 'eye-ing' something - using your eyes!

seingsee'ing

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written