LOOk vs WATCH vs SEE LOOK = direct your eyes at something (active) Look at the board. She looked out the window. WATCH = look carefully at something moving or changing (active, longer) I watched a movie last night. He is watching the children play. SEE = notice with your eyes (not active) I see a bird in the tree. Did you see my keys anywhere? Tip: Look = focus your eyes. Watch = focus on something moving. See = your eyes notice naturally.