ab|sehen
Translation
to refrain from, to disregard, to foresee, to learn by watching
Examples
Wir sehen von einer Strafe ab.
We will refrain from imposing a penalty.
Das Ende war nicht abzusehen.
The end could not be foreseen.
Er hat sich den Trick bei mir abgesehen.
He learned the trick by watching me.
Grammar Patterns
to refrain from ((sth.)) ((von+3)) The court will refrain from a conviction.
to foresee ((sth.)) ((et4)) Nobody could have foreseen this development.
to learn ((sth.)) by watching ((sb.)) ((sich3 et4 bei/von j-m)) He learned the trick by watching the master.
Similar Words
Etymology
From `ab-` (away, off) + `sehen` (to see). The idea is 'to see away from' something (refrain) or 'to see off into the distance' (foresee).
Memory Tips
Think of `ab-` as 'away'. 'To look away' from an action is to refrain from it. 'To see from afar' is to foresee.