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• see-through
  see-through

  adjective

  Also see-thru transparent.
• see through
  see through

  verb

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

see-through

American  

[see-throo] / ˈsiˌθru /

adjective

1. Also see-thru transparent.

   a see-through blouse.

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noun

1. a degree of or variation in transparency.

2. a see-through item of clothing.

3. look-through.

see through British  

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

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adjective

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

   a see-through nightie

see through Idioms  

1. . 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]

2. 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 .

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Etymology

Origin of see-through

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

Example Sentences

See through a brick wall, and all that sort of thing,” replied Moseley, good-humouredly.

From John Ames, Native Commissioner A Romance of the Matabele Rising by Mitford, Bertram

"Because the Gases, dear, Of which the air is made, Are quite transparent, that is, we See through, but see no shade."

From Mother Truth's Melodies Common Sense For Children by Miller, Mrs. E. P.

See, through its boughs, half-bare,   How low the sun lies in the mid-day south!—

From The poetical works of George MacDonald in two volumes — Volume 1 by MacDonald, George

In remembrance, as it were, of his first design, he expresses his desire to obtain from the Holy See, through the intervention of the great Cardinal, three privileges for this Institution.

From The Spirit of St. Francis de Sales by Camus, Jean Pierre

"See through what?" said the doctor, hastily, pricking up his ears at this, and peering keenly at Melick through his spectacles.

From A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder by De Mille, James

Related Words

• gauzy
• sheer
• translucent