beholder

[ bih-hohl-der ]

noun

1. a person who is observing or seeing something:

   What is considered offensive often lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of beholder¹

behold ( def ) + -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

As we know now, colors aren’t just in the eye of the beholder, but it’s the brain that does the work, interpreting the information that the body gathers.

From Salon

Besides, importance is in the eyes of the beholder.

From Los Angeles Times

If there’s anything we take away from this tale, it’s not that faith is bad or good, but that it exists in the eye of the beholder.

From Los Angeles Times

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it's fair to assume that vulture looks are an acquired taste.

From Salon

But with a pivotal election at stake, crime rates are increasingly in the eye of the beholder.

From Los Angeles Times