B1noun1K

Sight

UK /["/saɪt/"]/US /["/saɪt/"]/

Definition

the ability to see

In simple words: The ability to see; vision.

Examples

  • The sight of the sunset was breathtaking, filling the sky with beautiful colors.
  • After the accident, he lost his sight and had to learn to navigate the world differently.
  • The city offers a variety of sights to see, from historical landmarks to modern architecture.
  • Her sight was blurry at a distance, so she decided to get glasses.
  • In the distance, he spotted an unusual sight that caught his attention.

Usage notes

Use 'sight' when referring to the physical act of seeing or something that is seen. It can be used formally or informally. Avoid using 'sight' when discussing metaphorical vision or insight.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'sight' seeing tour where you look at things.

Collocations

  • have
  • lose
  • regain
  • deteriorate
  • fail
  • go
  • test
  • defects
  • problems
  • the/​your sense of sight
  • catch
  • get
  • have
  • gag
  • at the sight (of)
  • on sight
  • at first sight
  • cannot bear the sight of something
  • cannot stand the sight of something
  • come into
  • disappear from
  • vanish from
  • in sight
  • out of sight
  • within sight of
  • in full sight of somebody
  • in plain sight
  • be nowhere in sight
  • common
  • familiar
  • regular
  • behold
  • see
  • witness
  • greet
  • be quite a sight
  • be spared the sight of something
  • not a pretty sight
  • famous
  • historic
  • see
  • take in
  • visit
  • have somebody/​something in
  • have somebody/​something within
  • fix
  • have your sights set on something
  • set your sights on something
  • set your sights high

Synonyms

  • eyesight

Antonyms

  • blindness
  • invisibility

Common mistakes

  • 'Sight' confused with 'site' (a place).
  • 'Sight' used as a verb (correct form is 'see').
  • Using 'sight' in expressions that use 'vision' instead.