see-through

[see-throo]

adjective

1. Also see-thru transparent.

   a see-through blouse.

noun

1. a degree of or variation in transparency.

2. a see-through item of clothing.

3. look-through.

see through

verb

1. (tr) to help out in time of need or trouble

   I know you're short of money, but I'll see you through

2. (tr, adverb) to remain with until the end or completion

   let's see the job through

3. (intr, preposition) to perceive the true nature of

   I can see through your evasion

adjective

1. partly or wholly transparent or translucent, esp (of clothes) in a titillating way

   a see-through nightie

Word History and Origins

Origin of see through¹

First recorded in 1940–45; adj., noun use of verb phrase see through

Idioms and Phrases

. Understand the true character or nature of someone or something, as in We saw through his superficial charm: he was obviously a liar . [c. 1400]

Also, see out . Remain with an undertaking to the end; also, provide steadfast support to. For example, I saw the reorganization through and then I left the company , or We'll see out the year in Florida and then decide if the move is permanent , or We'll see you through medical school but then you're on your own .

Example Sentences

Sweeney’s observations about this duality, as seen through O’Brien’s characters, dilute the romanticized notion that having an identical double shields a person from isolation.

From Los Angeles Times

Often Gail looks like she’s frowning, but it’s just that she has poor vision and is straining to see through her prescription lenses.

From Los Angeles Times

He called the emergency services but said the water was "too dark" to see through and was told to keep others out.

From BBC

Yet the reality of modern football is that everything in seen through, and judged by, the prism of results.

From BBC

Signs of the disease can be seen through withered and blighted leaves.

From BBC

Related Words

• gauzy 
• sheer 
• translucent