perspective

[ per-spek-tiv ]

/ pərˈspɛk tɪv /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: perspective / perspectives on Thesaurus.com

noun

a technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on a flat surface.Compare aerial perspective, linear perspective.

a picture employing this technique, especially one in which it is prominent: an architect's perspective of a house.

a visible scene, especially one extending to a distance; vista: a perspective on the main axis of an estate.

the state of existing in space before the eye: The elevations look all right, but the building's composition is a failure in perspective.

the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship: You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective.

the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship: Your data is admirably detailed but it lacks perspective.

a mental view or prospect: the dismal perspective of terminally ill patients.

adjective

of or relating to the art of perspective, or represented according to its laws.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of perspective

1350–1400; Middle English <Medieval Latin perspectīva (ars) optical (science), perspectīvum optical glass, noun uses of feminine and neuter of perspectīvus optical, equivalent to Latin perspect-, past participle stem of perspicere to look at closely (see per-, inspect) + -īvus-ive

OTHER WORDS FROM perspective

per·spec·tiv·al, adjectiveper·spec·tived, adjectiveper·spec·tive·less, adjectiveper·spec·tive·ly, adverb

non·per·spec·tive, noun, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH perspective

perspective , prospective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use perspective in a sentence

There was a lot of positive feedback from people interested in non-gender binary people.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The choice between freedom and fear is not difficult when seen with perspective.
Why We Stand With Charlie Hebdo—And You Should Too|John Avlon|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Cosby conspiracy theorists share a perspective born of a long, pained history of American racism.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
She ultimately ditched JSwipe after about a week and found her current, non-Jewish, boyfriend on OkCupid.
My Week on Jewish Tinder|Emily Shire|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST

But he was always uncommonly gracious, a truly gentle man, willing to dispense wisdom and perspective when asked.
Ed Brooke: The Senate's Civil Rights Pioneer and Prophet of a Post-Racial America|John Avlon|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The expatriated ex-rebels became alarmed by the non-receipt of the indemnity instalment and the news from their homes.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
He also states that the Audiencia is virtually non-existent, and so there is no high court in which justice may be sought.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
De moi, je ne say qu'en dire, d'autant que je ne veux affirmer ny le si ny le non en ce dont je n'ay vidence.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
Certes le capitaine Merveilles et ses gens monstrerent leur pit non vulgaire.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
It teaches you to take your time, or as the Germans call it, it gives you "Ruhe (repose)," the grand sine qua non!
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay

British Dictionary definitions for perspective

perspective

/ (pəˈspɛktɪv) /

noun

a way of regarding situations, facts, etc, and judging their relative importance

the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it; objectivitytry to get some perspective on your troubles

the theory or art of suggesting three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, in order to recreate the appearance and spatial relationships that objects or a scene in recession present to the eye

the appearance of objects, buildings, etc, relative to each other, as determined by their distance from the viewer, or the effects of this distance on their appearance

a view over some distance in space or time; vista; prospect

a picture showing perspective

Derived forms of perspective

perspectively, adverb

Word Origin for perspective

C14: from Medieval Latin perspectīva ars the science of optics, from Latin perspicere to inspect carefully, from per- (intensive) + specere to behold

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for perspective

perspective

In drawing or painting, a way of portraying three dimensions on a flat, two-dimensional surface by suggesting depth or distance.

perspective

Origin of perspective

OTHER WORDS FROM perspective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH perspective

Words related to perspective

How to use perspective in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for perspective

Derived forms of perspective

Word Origin for perspective

Cultural definitions for perspective