a degree of or variation in transparency.
a see-through item of clothing.
(tr) to help out in time of need or trouble
I know you're short of money, but I'll see you through
(tr, adverb) to remain with until the end or completion
let's see the job through
(intr, preposition) to perceive the true nature of
I can see through your evasion
. 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 .
First recorded in 1940–45; adj., noun use of verb phrase see through
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The company earlier this year suffered backlash against a new lineup of pants deemed by some consumers to be see-through.
From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026
The following year, Ju Ae wore a partially see-through blouse - revealing her arms - to the completion ceremony for a residential area of the capital, Pyongyang.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
After the collection’s debut earlier this month, some customers took to social media, saying the leggings were see-through while the wearer was squatting or bending.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
And why was every single shirt that I owned see-through?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025
Honey hair with orange ribbons on see-through skin.
From "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
