Phrase guide

look through

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see look, through.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He looked through the binoculars at the bird.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To take a view of the contents of; search in, either with the eyes or by hand.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I looked through the magazine, but it didn't seem very interesting.
  • Airport security looked through her purse and confiscated her nail scissors.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To penetrate with the understanding; to see through.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To appear or pretend not to see something or someone who is clearly visible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, often

Examples

  • I tried to get Michele's attention at the party, but she looked right through me!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Esperanto: trarigardi — take a view of the contents of