perspective

[per-spek-tiv]

noun

1. a technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on a flat surface.

2. a picture employing this technique, especially one in which it is prominent.

   an architect's perspective of a house.

3. a visible scene, especially one extending to a distance; vista.

   a perspective on the main axis of an estate.

4. the state of existing in space before the eye.

   The elevations look all right, but the building's composition is a failure in perspective.

5. 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.

6. the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship.

   Your data is admirably detailed but it lacks perspective.

7. a mental view or prospect.

   the dismal perspective of terminally ill patients.

adjective

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

perspective

/ pəˈspɛktɪv /

noun

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

2. the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it; objectivity

   try to get some perspective on your troubles

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. a picture showing perspective

perspective

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

Other Word Forms

• perspectival adjective
• perspectived adjective
• perspectiveless adjective
• perspectively adverb
• nonperspective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspective¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin perspectīva (ars) “optical (science),” perspectīvum “optical glass,” noun uses of feminine and neuter of perspectīvus “optical,” equivalent to Latin perspect(us) “looked at closely,” past participle of perspicere “to look at closely” ( per-, inspect ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspective¹

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

Example Sentences

“That shifted my perspective. You can create the same sort of feelings you feel on huge projects in a much more intimate and adult way.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Plumptre says, this is just one perspective on life for a woman in Saudi Arabia.

From BBC

Freeman managed to put it all in perspective.

From Los Angeles Times

Or, from the perspective of the Dodgers, this is just starting.

From Los Angeles Times

The theme this year focuses on celebrating “libraries and storytelling, with activities sharing traditional and contemporary Indigenous perspectives and narratives.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• angle 
• aspect 
• attitude 
• context 
• mindset 
• prospect 
• viewpoint